As a real estate agent, you know how challenging it can be to sell older homes that may require renovations. Buyers often see these properties as overwhelming projects rather than exciting opportunities. But what if you had a secret weapon to help your clients envision the full potential of these homes? That’s where partnering with an interior designer can make all the difference.

An experienced designer can help your clients see beyond outdated layouts and finishes, allowing them to reimagine older homes as personalized spaces that blend historic charm with modern functionality. Here’s how working with a designer can enhance your services, boost client satisfaction, and close deals faster.

What a Designer Can Do While Clients Are Looking for Homes

Imagine This: You’re showing a client a charming but dated home. They hesitate, unsure how to make the space work for their modern lifestyle. A designer steps in, sketching a plan to open up the kitchen and add functional storage. Suddenly, the home’s potential comes to life.

Bringing a designer into the process before a sale can transform the way clients view older homes. Here’s what a designer can offer:

1. Space Planning and Layout Suggestions:
A designer can walk through a property with potential buyers and suggest simple changes to improve the flow and functionality. For example, they might recommend removing a wall to open up a kitchen or reconfiguring a small bathroom to make better use of space.

2. Helping Buyers Visualize Potential:
Buyers may struggle to see past outdated finishes or cluttered layouts. A designer can provide mood boards, sketches, or 3D renderings to show how the space could look after renovations, helping buyers feel confident about their investment.

3. Identifying Budget-Friendly Updates:
A designer can recommend high-impact, cost-effective changes that improve the home’s appeal without breaking the bank, such as repainting, refinishing floors, or updating light fixtures.

4. Highlighting Historic Features:
Older homes often have unique architectural details that buyers might overlook. Designers can point out these features, like original moldings or vintage tile, and show how to preserve them while modernizing the rest of the home.

What a Designer Can Do Once a Client Narrows Down a Potential Property

Imagine This: A client submits an offer on an older home but is unsure about the renovation possibilities. In just two weeks, a designer can provide actionable insights that ease their concerns and prepare them for the next steps.

1. Preliminary Space Planning:
The designer can quickly create rough layout plans to demonstrate how the home can be reconfigured for better flow and functionality.

2. Mood Boards and Concept Sketches:
These tools help the client visualize the home’s potential by showcasing color schemes, finishes, and potential furniture layouts.

3. Contractor Consultations:
The designer can assist in gathering ballpark quotes from contractors for major updates, giving clients a clearer idea of renovation costs.

What a Designer Can’t Do Before the Sale

While a designer can provide a wealth of insight, it’s important to understand their limitations before a property is purchased:

No Structural Work: Designers can suggest layout changes, but any structural alterations will require an architect or contractor.
No Full Renovations: Designers can offer ideas and plans, but renovations won’t begin until the home is sold and permits are secured (if needed).
No Exact Budget Guarantees: While they can provide ballpark estimates, final renovation costs will depend on contractors and materials chosen.

What a Designer Can Do Between an Accepted Offer and Closing

Consider This Scenario: The offer is accepted, and now the focus shifts to preparing for renovations. A designer’s role becomes even more critical during this period.

1. Detailed Space Planning:
The designer can create more refined layouts, including measurements and specific recommendations for structural changes, if needed.

2. Materials and Finishes Selection:
To save time post-closing, the designer can start sourcing materials like flooring, countertops, and fixtures.

3. Coordination with Contractors:
The designer can connect with contractors to schedule work and ensure a smooth start once the keys are in hand.

What a Designer Can Do Post-Closing

Imagine This: The home is officially theirs, and the real work begins. Here’s how a designer helps make the vision a reality.

1. Oversee Renovations:
The designer will work closely with contractors to ensure that every detail aligns with the client’s vision.

2. Furniture and Décor Placement:
Once renovations are complete, the designer will select and arrange furniture, art, and décor to create a cohesive and functional space.

3. Final Touches and Styling:
From styling shelves to hanging curtains, the designer ensures the home feels polished and move-in ready, creating a space that perfectly balances beauty and function.

Benefits of Partnering with a Designer for Real Estate Agents

Imagine This: A client is on the fence about a property due to its outdated layout. The designer walks them through a vision of a stunning open-concept space, complete with restored historic features. Their hesitation turns into excitement, and the offer comes quickly.

1. Faster Sales:
When buyers can envision a home’s potential, they’re more likely to make an offer quickly. A designer’s expertise can help overcome buyer hesitations about older homes.

2. Increased Client Satisfaction:
Offering design insights sets you apart from other agents and provides added value to your clients. They’ll appreciate your forward-thinking approach and the resources you bring to the table.

3. Higher Property Value:
Buyers are often willing to pay more for a home when they can see its future potential. Designer recommendations can help position the property as a worthwhile investment.

4. Building Your Reputation as a Full-Service Agent:
Partnering with a designer elevates your status as a resourceful, client-focused agent. Word-of-mouth referrals are more likely when clients feel supported at every step of the buying process.

Steps for Agents to Work with a Designer

Imagine This: As a real estate agent, you have a trusted designer on speed dial. With just one call, you arrange a walkthrough that leaves your clients confident and ready to buy. Here’s how to make that collaboration seamless:

If you’re ready to enhance your services with a designer, here’s how to get started:

Reach Out to a Designer Early:
Identify a trusted designer with experience in older homes. Reach out to discuss your goals and set expectations for your partnership.
Share Key Details About the Property:
Provide the designer with information like the home’s size, age, and any standout architectural features. Include your client’s renovation goals and budget range (if applicable).
Schedule a Walkthrough with Potential Buyers:
Arrange for the designer to join a property walkthrough to offer immediate insights and suggestions. This collaborative effort can help buyers feel excited about the home’s potential.
Collaborate on Marketing Materials:
Work with the designer to create visuals, such as renderings or mood boards, that can be included in your property listings or shown during open houses.

Why Denine Jackson Interiors is Your Perfect Partner

At Denine Jackson Interiors, we specialize in helping buyers see the hidden potential in older homes. Our thoughtful design solutions blend functionality with timeless style, making us the perfect partner for real estate agents. We work closely with agents and their clients to ensure a seamless experience, from initial walkthroughs to post-sale renovation planning.

Ready to take your real estate services to the next level? Let’s work together to turn older homes into dream properties that buyers can’t resist.

Explore our design projects and see how we bring older homes back to life.
Reach out today to discuss how we can collaborate.

How Real Estate Agents and Designers Can Transform Older Homes into Dream Properties