Q:  What is “Emotional ROI”? How would you define it?

A:  To me, "emotional ROI" is the unique pleasure one gets from a place or thing that goes beyond its practical or financial value. It's the reason we gasp and say, "Oooh," when we see something beautiful or pleasing. It's the great sound of two perfectly joining pieces clicking together or the way the light from the afternoon sun glints off a stained glass window. It's that immeasurable emotional appeal of something that brings you a sense of joy and appreciation.

Q: How does Emotional ROI tie into buying a home with character?

A: Shopping for a home is a lot like looking for a romantic partner. There are places that are good on paper, but they leave you feeling kind of "meh." Homes with character are usually special; they are unique in some way, and they often have that je ne sais quoi that makes your heart speed up. I tell my buyers that that is the feeling you want to have when you are shopping for a house - that giddy, excited feeling you get when you've made a perfect match. 

Q: What are some features with “character” that buyers may be looking for in homes?

A: Today's character-driven homebuyers are looking for things like well-preserved vintage tile in the kitchen and baths; original hardwood flooring; detailed moldings and trim; antique glass; wood-beamed ceilings; charming fireplaces; and plaster walls - no sheetrock. And we'll also take all the built-ins, niches, alcoves, and coved ceilings that you can throw at us. It's important to note that these things don't need to be old. Modern-day versions of these features are also very appealing.

Q: In some cases, do you think the style of the home is surpassing a focus on amenities? Why or why not?

A: Buyers who strongly value aesthetic details and the emotional appeal of a space will often overlook functional deficits or missing amenities because to purchase something they inherently don't like even though it "works" would violate their sense of identity. However, there will be financial and/or functional limitations to their willingness to do so. I once showed an incredible Spanish colonial revival in a buyer's target neighborhood that had everything they were looking for, including charm in spades. Everything, that is, except a shower big enough to hold a fully grown human being. Architecturally, there was no way to make that bathroom work for my clients, so even though it hurt, they passed on the house because that would have been a significant pain point felt on a daily basis. 

Q: How can sellers capitalize on this Emotional ROI trend? What are some things they should focus on in their homes to add character and attract potential buyers?

A: I think sellers really need to pay attention to the details. In so many instances, neutral is resulting in "boring" instead of what it is meant to be, which is "versatile." Don't buy every fixture from the same big-box store. Find something that works, and then find a more interesting or sophisticated version of that thing. See what makes your home special and highlight that. Refinish your wood floors; don't replace them with LVP. Embrace the charm, and find period-matching, modern-day fixtures if something is broken. Sellers should aim for that magical combination of updated systems and historical charm because that's where buyers get form and function. That combination is unbeatable.

Q: Is there anything else readers should know?

A: I always tell buyers that if they don't feel some type of emotional excitement when they spend time in a house, then they shouldn't buy that house. We are not robots; we are deeply emotional creatures, and our homes are deeply emotional places. It's where we raise families, experience joy, and create memories. Naturally, we all want to make a good financial investment, but why not also get a sense of happiness and satisfaction? I want my clients to have it all - a great financial return on investment, and a great emotional one as well. 

All answers authored personally by Kimberly Schmidt, San Diego Real Estate Expert

Click here to read the article on House Beautiful: https://www.housebeautiful.com/design-inspiration/real-estate/a70773162/emotional-roi-home-features/