I often work with homeowners who are planning on putting their houses on the market in the coming months or years. You might wonder, why would anyone install custom closets when they’re going to be moving anyway? Well, while the primary purpose of customized storage space is to enhance organization, the benefits extend to potentially increasing the value of the home.
Here are some ways custom closets can improve your staging – leading to the possibility of a quicker sale or even a higher asking price:
- Set a better first impression
- Maximize storage potential
- Adapt to diverse needs
- Streamline organization when selling
If you’re planning to sell your home, you should check with a real estate agent to determine how to best stage your home, but in the meantime, keep reading to learn about how a custom closet system can put you a step ahead of the competition.
Set a Better First Impression
You’ve heard the adage: you never get a second chance to make a first impression. When potential buyers walk into your home, their first impression is crucial. You want them to immediately feel welcomed, intrigued, interested, and most importantly, “at home.”
A home staged with a well-appointed custom closet can become a focal point in the room it’s located in – showing the functionality and style of the space. You can choose a style that complements the current style of your home, though if you’re selling the home, you’ll probably want to choose something somewhat neutral, so it appeals to anyone who looks at it.
Maximize Storage Potential
Most home buyers want a house with plenty of storage space. In fact, it’s often a top priority on “must have” lists they talk about with their real estate agents. Forbes even goes so far as to say that closets can make or break a deal. Home buyers know that cramped, overcrowded closets are an indication that you don’t have enough storage space, and that can scare them away.
Having your custom closets in well-organized shape, however, is a signal that not only do you have plenty of storage space but they will, too. Declutter your closet prior to any showings, so your potential buyers will see how well your clothing and accessories fit.
Adapt to Diverse Needs
One nice feature many of my clients love about their custom closet systems is that they are truly versatile. Drawers can hold a wide array of folded items, including undergarments, t-shirts, jeans, and sweaters, in addition to belts, ties, and other accessories. House hunters will be able to envision their own items in these drawers.
Even more important, custom closets are adjustable. This is something you might consider asking your real estate agent to add to the listing or to point out to people they’re showing the house to. The new homeowners will be able to move the hanging rods up or down and reconfigure the closet shelves as needed. Knowing this can help your potential buyers begin to envision their own items in the space.
Streamline Organization When Selling
If you’ve sold a home before, you know the challenge of keeping it “show ready” at all times. Your closets will perform the secondary function of providing you with plenty of space to stash unused items, so they’re not cluttering up your home. Many real estate agents will ask sellers to put away personal items, like framed family photos, and your closet is a good place to store these items.
If you have a large walk-in with extra space, you might consider using part of it to store your packed boxes. Buyers do expect to see boxes; they’re aware that one household is moving out while they move in. If you’re still living there, don’t be afraid to use this space to keep boxes out of the main living space. With that being said, no matter what you’re storing, make sure they can see your high-quality components and storage options.
It’s important to keep your closets looking as good as the rest of the house. The good news is that this can be accomplished in just a few minutes per day. Glenn Beese at Pacific Closet & Garage recently published a post about how to keep a closet in good shape with daily tasks.
Conclusion
I’ve worked with many homeowners who are putting in custom closets with the intention of selling their home relatively soon. They’re a great investment in your property and boast a good ROI. At the same time, they often make your home more attractive to potential buyers and can make staging simpler. Let me know if I can help you improve your closets prior to putting your house on the market.
