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

Come With Questions, Leave With a Plan.

A home consultation is your chance to pick a pro’s brain before you start knocking down walls or stress-buying area rugs. Ask smart, targeted questions and you’ll walk away with a plan that actually works - for your budget, your style, and your real estate goals.