The Value of Artwork When Selling a Home
By Chris Petry
When we think of the things that tend to add value to homes, it’s rare that we consider personal effects. It makes sense. Possessions go into boxes and those boxes are transported to the owner’s new home where they’ll be filed, stored, or displayed once more. What if I told you, however, that the mere presence of certain possessions on a home tour or in a listing photo can influence a prospective buyer’s opinion of the property as a whole?
One of the most unsuspecting items that can raise the value of your home in the eyes of a viewer? Art. Yes, art. Painting, sculptures, antique posters and other forms of artistic expression can add life and character to an otherwise ordinary living space. Paraphrasing the author of this wonderful piece on the subject (found on LinkedIn of all places), “homebuyers aren’t just looking for a place to live. They’re looking for a lifestyle.” The addition of art shows a potential buyer the spectrum of possibilities for the space. It creates a warmth and texture that a sparce minimalist approach simply can’t compete with. It doesn’t tell people explicitly how to live but it shows them that their goals are attainable. With no offense intended, not everyone possesses a creative eye and therefore their inability to conceptualize what they want in an empty space might negatively impact their perception of said space and thus your home.
The type of art featured in a home also provides an insight to the home and the home seller. For instance, art produced by local artists offers an inside look into the rich cultural heritage and influence of one’s town or city. If the buyer is from the same town, this can invoke a sense of community and comparability. For an outside buyer, it’s a symbol of what their new home has to offer.
However, some commentators on the subject feel there is a certain balance one must strike between being visually alluring and too niche or exclusionary. Take this article from Homes and Gardens for instance, whose cited experts seem to err on the side of “broad aesthetic appeal.” The implication being that art featuring more everyday subjects and personalities such as fruit, flowers, animals, landscapes and familiar cultural figures are more likely to pique the interest of viewers than subjects with fervorous but numerically-limited appreciators. Keep the Warhol or the Rembrandt up for the showing, maybe hide the collection of exotic animal taxidermy.
The same article also talks about art’s ability to extend or highlight the dimensions of a given room. This can make a room appear larger or cozier depending on the space and intent. This piece from Sunset.com really underscores the importance of symmetry in homes, to create feelings of organization, calm and intent. An organized space is more appealing full stop. Art placement can help create balance and symmetry on a wall or shelf, thus making the room seem more intentionally-arranged. Symmetry also has a naturally calming effect. We’re less likely to get the feeling that “something is missing.” That feeling can throw off the entire vibe of the room.
While art alone will not increase the market value, it can certainly bump the intrinsic value of your home. Perception is everything. Creating a space that appeals to the sensibilities of a future buyer is imperative to obtaining the worth of your home. Well-placed and visually-fetching artwork might just contribute to that appeal.
