Good afternoon Shar. I think this makes all the sense in the world and is very nicely written too.

Hello Shar - a home is a personal statement you make.  A home for sale is a product that is on the market.  There is a difference.  

This always reminds me of that classic saying, less is more.

Hi Shar actually I do live in Phoenix and having a southwest decor isn't a good idea. Modern and sleek is what sells here.  I do totally agree that 'themes' when selling isn't a good idea.

Makes perfect sense Shari. Your audience changes when you list a home so you have to make changes that are going to entice them to buy your house.

You are so correct, Shar. It's so important to keep things as neutral as possible with the contemporary elements today's buyers prefer. Or at least, have the decor honor the period/style of the house. Can't help but wonder how those homes with barn doors, and barn wood walls are going to go over with buyers in the upcoming years.  You can sure add a theme with artwork, throw pillows. We had a very difficult time selling a house with a turquoise island ( it was large and a scene stealer ), turquoise tile, and large dining painting in, turquoise. The Master also had turquoise cabinetry. The strong color definitely narrowed the pool of buyers. ( He refused to repaint as the house was less than a year old...wonder why the design team didn't warn him about choosing such a bold color statement for resale issues. They knew there was a possibility he might be moving within the year.) 

Great points Shar Sitter .  Home owners should alwasy keep in the back of their mind a possible sale in the  future when decorating.  Unfortunately most dont.

Shar - I agree wholeheartedly! The paragraph you mentioned on making "more permanent fixture choices based on a theme," and telling sellers to "rip everything out," in order to sell is something I agree with. I have a neighbor who is planning to sell her home in the future. But the problem is she gets these "theme" ideas and asks for my opinion, then does it anyway. Her home (which was really beautiful) is now a HodePodge of crazy ideas! In its condition right now, if she doesn't rip that giant cruise ship mural looking out at the ocean in her dining room, or take off that crazy optical illusion mosaic tile that she put after having an amateur handiman rip out her brick fireplace, I won't list it.