Putting A Home On the Market? An Analogy of a Carnival Ride and Wallpaper

March 2, 2011

Wallpaper is a very personal thing and the choice of patterns is not suitable to everyone. Even though it may be a popular and a very expensive choice offered during a certain era, over time wallpaper becomes outdated. When a product loses its value and usefulness its only value is to the owners or to a museum. But unfortunately, from the general publics perspective, there is little value and often times becomes an amusement. From this carnival ride here in Dallas which is now being featured near the Galleria off of I635, you can see the patterns that were chosen generations ago.

With lighting and the pages of time print patterns are subject to change. Here we see how when the lights change, the patterns do too.

It's only natural that people will react to color and patterns. Just as an artist has to have a thick skin, the agent of a home owner with outdated wallpaper has to explain to the owner not to take things personally - or remove the wallpaper. Unfortunately, an antiquated pattern loses its value, and if the owner chooses not to change their patterns and color schemes, the entire home will be judged and devalued when an offer does come to their listing agent.

Not all people react to patterns and colors the same way. Some will hold their heads and laugh. Some will be frightened and try to get away - you can see the arm pushing forward. Some may stick around just for the fun of it; while others will make up their mind immediately and say no... I don't want this. When a buyer says no, it's hard to change their mind. A Realtor© is a  negotiator; not a magician. The owner has to decide what they want to do based upon the feedback that is received.

Not all buyers will be discouraged by wallpaper and patterns. If they are up to the challenge, they may reach out and touch it. Usually, when that happens a keen Realtor© knows the buyer sees value in the house and he or she is willing to change the patterns and lighting but they also know it's going to be an expensive proposition to the owner. Not everyone has the talent or the expense or the time; therefore negotiations and offers will vary depending on what the prospective buyer has the capability of doing.

My advice to the owner who loves his or her wallpaper pattern so much that they don't want to make a change is this: "If you love it that much and you can't live here anymore, than take it with you, take the memories with you by scraping it off or hiring a professional to do the work for you. Then let go and move on. Otherwise, be prepared to not get many showings or worse, any showings, and if you do, the offers may come in lower than you think because the buyer will factor in depreciation caused by outdated wallpaper patterns and lighting."

Still not convinced? Think in terms of old and new. What's more attractive? The skin of a new born baby or the skin of an 80+ year old man? The birth of fresh spring flowers or that what remains from a harsh, cold winter? Wallpaper that has collected years of dust mites, food odors, perhaps even nicotine, or the smell of fresh paint? To a first time home buyer, it's a new experience. In order to sell something to the general public, it has to appeal to the buyer's senses. Change is inevitable; if not, be prepared to pay the price.  

All photos and written content were produced by Patricia Feager. Copyright 2011 - All Rights Reserved. This content may not be reproduced or reprinted, except for Active Rain Re-blogging, without express written permission of Patricia Feager, REALTOR®, Keller Williams Realty, Flower Mound, TX.