Top 5 Questions to Ask in a Home Consultation When Buying or Selling Your Home
Because you should never just nod and smile while someone tells you to "open up the space."
A well-timed question can save you thousands. And your sanity.
1. “What Should I Prioritize First?”
Spoiler: it’s usually not ripping out your perfectly fine floors.
Whether you're prepping to sell or staring down a fixer-upper, this question helps your designer help you. It also saves you from getting talked into a sexy backsplash when what you really need is better lighting.
Photos Source: AR INTERIORS
2. “What Will Give Me the Best ROI?”
Real estate is emotional, but let’s be real — it’s also a math game. This question zeroes in on resale-smart updates that don’t torch your budget.
Expect answers like:
Paint over full reno ✅
New cabinet hardware > new cabinets ✅
Flooring fixes if yours are shouting 2005 ✅
You’re not flipping a mansion (probably), so this one helps separate design wants from investment needs.
3. “What Should I Absolutely Not Do?”
This one’s a gem. There’s nothing better than a designer saying “please don’t do that” before you gut your perfectly fine bathroom for a “statement tub.”
Use this question to avoid:
Over-personalized renos that buyers will hate
Materials that won’t age well (or survive children)
Layout choices that kill flow and function
Sometimes, it’s what you don’t do that adds the most value.
Photo Source: pinterest.com
4. “Can You Help Me Understand the Scope + Cost?”
Designers don’t have to be your contractor, but they can help you wrap your head around scale.
This question gets you:
Realistic cost ranges
Rough timelines
A sense of what you can DIY vs. outsource
It’s the first step in not becoming that person who’s 10k deep into a kitchen reno with no countertops and six weeks of Uber Eats receipts.
5. “How Will This Help Me Sell / Settle In?”
Designers are part creative, part strategist. Whether you’re selling soon or staying long-term, they’ll help you zoom out.
You’ll get insight on:
What helps with resale appeal
What boosts daily function (hello, small-space hacks)
What’s a quick fix vs. a major reno
This question brings it all together - especially for first-time buyers who are overwhelmed by options and Pinterest boards full of lies.
Photo Source: pinterest.com
