Seeing the Potential in a Home

As a Grand Rapids real estate agent, I sometimes work with people who have a knack for seeing the potential in a home. They may be investors or just home buyers with a little savvy and vision, or students of reality shows like “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” and “Hidden Potential.” Whatever the case, some people have an uncanny ability to imagine what it will take to make a home fit their needs.

If you’ve been looking for a home for a while, or if the real estate environment is competitive for the area you have in mind, you may want to start thinking out of the box. Whenever you decide to broaden your horizons, it can help to keep in mind that homes with “potential” are often overlooked for a few major reasons:

• Bad decorating. It can be hard to look past design trends like boldly painted “accent” walls and wallpaper, modern or ornate light fixtures, gleaming gold fixtures and handles, or dated décor. However, if you ask an interior designer or a home remodeler for some ideas, you may end up with a home that’s perfectly customized for you.
• Poor curb appeal. Often curb appeal is affected by neglected landscaping, or landscaping that is overly complicated and high maintenance. Again, a professional landscaper can be invaluable in helping you make a home more livable.
• General age. Many people prefer the look of newer construction, or perceive that there are fewer issues with newer homes. However, any home can have issues, which is why a thorough home inspection is so important. Also, you may be able to achieve either a classic or a modern look with a few modifications to an older home.

What homes may be worth a second look? Homes with “potential” almost always have a good location – a location that is desirable for you, and as well as being generally marketable (which a knowledgeable Grand Rapids real estate agent should be able to help you with). Homes with potential should also have a generally appealing floor plan , or at least a floor plan that can be rearranged, added on to, or remodeled at a low cost.

If you’re lucky when you look for a new home, you’ll find a home that is move-in ready and matches all your criteria. However, if you can imagine the possibilities for a “diamond in the rough,” you may also find yourself quite satisfied in the end. Contact The Sprich Group today if you’re ready to find your home with “potential.”

Photo: Jason Tester Guerrilla Futures ( some rights reserved )