A home may look spectacular online, but sometimes, once you walk through the door and look under the hood, it isn’t what it appeared to be in the listing photos. I jokingly call it “lipstick on a pig.”
Before making an offer, buyers should understand what they’re actually getting, beyond gorgeous photos and expensive-looking finishes.
I like to look more closely at things like the cabinetry and hardware, flooring, countertops, stonework, fixtures, and overall quality of workmanship.
One of the easiest places to spot a lower-quality renovation is the cabinetry — specifically, whether the joints are properly fitted, the drawers glide smoothly, and the cabinet doors align. I also look out for things like uneven tilework, inconsistent grout lines, poorly installed flooring, and gaps around the cabinets or trim.
To me, the biggest concern is whether the renovation will hold up over time. If the materials and workmanship aren’t up to par, buyers could end up repairing or replacing finishes far sooner than expected.
When you’re paying for a luxury home, you want to know you’re investing in quality that will last, not just an aesthetic that looks good in listing photos.
