When preparing a home for sale, it’s easy to focus on the big-ticket items: curb appeal, fresh paint, and updated kitchens. But an often-overlooked factor that could significantly impact the sale of a home is closet space. Surprisingly, the way closets are presented can either help seal the deal or turn buyers away.
As builders and real estate professionals, you understand how important it is for homes to create a strong first impression. And while closets may seem like a small detail, they can have an outsized influence on how potential buyers perceive a home.
This insight was inspired by an article written by Terri Williams on Forbes, titled, “Why Your Closets Could Make Or Break The Sale Of Your Home.” Terri Williams is a seasoned journalist covering housing trends, home improvement, and real estate, with contributions to prominent publications like Realtor.com, Architectural Digest, and CNN.
At TRU Home Pros, we’ve seen firsthand how a well-organized closet can elevate a home’s appeal, particularly when it comes to luxury properties. Let’s explore why closets matter in the selling process and how you can help your clients optimize this often-overlooked feature to enhance the value of their homes.
The Subtle Power of Closet Space
When a buyer walks through a home, they aren’t just looking for square footage and updated finishes – they are looking for a space that fits their lifestyle. Closet space plays a key role in this. In fact, according to real estate experts like Patrick Garrett and Joshua B. Garner, overcrowded, disorganized closets can make a home feel smaller than it really is. A potential buyer may open a closet and, if it’s packed to the brim, think, “If the current homeowner can’t fit everything in here, neither can I.”
The truth is, the size and organization of closets are important selling points, especially in today’s market. Even luxury homebuyers are drawn to closets that feel spacious, bright, and orderly. An organized closet reflects a well-maintained home, and that positive impression can carry over to the rest of the property.
The Emotional Impact of Closet Presentation
Buying a home is often an emotional decision. While buyers want functionality, they are also looking for a home that excites them and aligns with their vision of an ideal lifestyle. Well-organized closets can play an unexpected role in creating that emotional connection.
Nancy Almodovar, CEO of Nan and Company Properties, advises thinking of closets as “mini showrooms.” A clean, well-lit, and spacious closet can stir feelings of luxury and order, helping buyers envision their own belongings neatly stored in the space. This is particularly important for high-end homes, where the perception of quality and lifestyle is paramount.
Ellen Sykes, a broker at Coldwell Banker Warburg, explains that a cluttered closet doesn’t just suggest a lack of storage – it can also make buyers question the overall condition of the home. Messy closets might lead them to wonder if other aspects of the house have been neglected as well.
If you’re working with a client preparing their home for sale, consider how we can partner with you to make closets a standout feature. Book your free consultation today and discover how TRU Home Pros can elevate your next home sale.
How Closets Can Move from a Negative to a Positive Selling Point
Closets might not seem like a make-or-break feature at first glance, but they can certainly add to or detract from the overall impression of a home. Steven Gottlieb, an agent at Coldwell Banker Warburg, notes that a beautifully organized closet can help reinforce a buyer’s positive feelings about the home. Conversely, cramped or chaotic closets can further diminish a buyer’s opinion if they are already on the fence.
For realtors, builders, and home sellers, closets present an opportunity. Even if the closet space isn’t large, presenting it in the best possible light can enhance a buyer’s perception of the home.
Simple Solutions to Elevate Closet Appeal
Not every homeowner has the budget or time for a complete closet remodel, but small, strategic changes can make a big difference. Here are some easy, cost-effective ways to improve closet appeal:
- Declutter: Remove unnecessary items to showcase the full potential of the closet. This helps buyers see how much space is truly available.
- Uniform Hangers: Replace mismatched hangers with uniform ones. It creates a more polished, organized look.
- Organize by Category: Group similar items together, such as clothing types or accessories. This approach makes the closet appear orderly and spacious.
- Lighting: Install proper lighting to brighten up the space. A well-lit closet feels more inviting and makes the space feel larger.
- Leave Some Space Empty: Avoid cramming closets full of items. Leave some shelves and hangers empty to give buyers room to imagine their own belongings in the space.
- Luxury Items on Display: If there are high-end items, such as designer handbags or shoes, use them to add a touch of luxury to the closet. This can subtly enhance the buyer’s perception of the entire home.
The TRU Home Pros Advantage: Custom Closet Solutions
For builders and realtors, highlighting closet space as a selling feature is an effective way to differentiate a home from others on the market. At TRU Home Pros, we offer custom closet solutions designed to maximize space, create organization, and add value to any home.
Our custom closets are designed to make the most of available space, whether it’s a small reach-in closet or a luxurious walk-in. By optimizing shelving, drawers, and hanging space, we help homeowners present closets that are both beautiful and functional.
Realtors and builders working with us can offer these custom closet services to their clients, giving them a unique selling point that appeals to today’s buyers.
The ROI of Organized Closets
You might be wondering if upgrading closets will really make a difference in a home’s marketability. The answer is a resounding yes. According to industry professionals, closets that are well-organized and thoughtfully designed can add value to a home, making it more attractive to potential buyers and helping it sell faster.
Even simple changes like decluttering, improving lighting, and adding uniform hangers can make a noticeable impact on buyer perception. For homeowners with larger budgets, investing in custom closet solutions can provide an even greater return on investment, positioning the home as a premium property.
Source and Additional Insights
This article was inspired by the insights shared by Terri Williams in her Forbes article, “Why Your Closets Could Make Or Break The Sale Of Your Home.” Terri Williams is a journalist covering housing trends, home improvement, and real estate for various prestigious outlets, including Realtor.com, Architectural Digest, and USA Today.
Her article dives deep into the role closets play in real estate transactions, revealing why they matter so much in the home-selling process. To follow more of her insights, especially on the latest trends in home buying and selling, you can find her work on multiple platforms.
Enhance Your Home’s Appeal with TRU Home Pros
At TRU Home Pros, we’re committed to helping homeowners, realtors, and builders create spaces that stand out in today’s competitive market. Our custom closet solutions are designed to transform closets from a potential drawback into a major selling point. Whether it’s a small, functional upgrade or a complete closet overhaul, we’re here to help.
If you’re working with a client preparing their home for sale, consider how we can partner with you to make closets a standout feature. Book your free consultation today and discover how TRU Home Pros can elevate your next home sale.
