Meeting with a seller today and after a great conversation, I was reminded of how many times in selling homes to buyers, I have mentioned how a home should be put to work in creating function and comfort. Being as jaded as I am in viewing so terribly many homes, I have come to a point where I don’t look at what is there, especially if the home is furnished with the owner’s “stuff”, but rather what un-utilized features that are there that have not been put to use.
My favorite challenge is when I walk into an older home that has been re-modeled and poorly planned additions have been made, I start mentally envisioning what it originally looked like when it was built and after the later alterations have been made, what use or purpose they provided. Since tastes change along with use, I begin to see how the re-use of space can optimize the functionality along with design and appeal. My most hated improvements are paneling, down-sized windows, ceiling tiles and painted over wallpaper. So many people think that being energy conscious is the most important in a home. Not so I say. How can anyone want to live in a home filled with tiny windows, florescent light bulbs and heavy window coverings? I consider some of humanity wanting to return to the time of cave dwelling.
In these times of economic uncertainties along with the stress from jobs and raising families, wouldn’t it be more wise to work towards creating real sanctuaries in our homes? If you are grounded at home you should be a happier person at work. Right?
