10 “Outdated” Real Estate Tips Chip Gaines Swears By

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Chip Gaines knows how to make even the most ‘outdated’ real estate advice sound fresh and relevant. Some people dismiss old school methods for trendy tactics, but Chip believes that there are some classic real estate principles that are as powerful today as they were decades ago. Often on TV, he shares his experiences and demonstrates that sometimes the old, proven advice has its own timeless charm and effectiveness that new approaches just can’t duplicate.

For those convinced that modern problems require only the most modern solutions, Chip’s philosophy might raise eyebrows. Nevertheless, the guts of his approach is based on practicality and authenticity, and these types of values last the trial of time. Let’s take a look at the “outdated” tips he’s kept around and how they still affect how we see real estate today.

Focus on Curb Appeal

First impressions are important, and Chip believes in curb appeal. For Chip, it’s not about planting a few flowers, or trimming the hedges; it’s about making a space feel immediately inviting. Strong curb appeal can actually increase the selling price of a home. If buyers feel a connection to the property from the very start, it helps to create a good vibe from the very beginning of the tour.

Stick to Neutral Colors

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Bold colors are good to make a statement, but Chip is all for keeping the color palette neutral. When selling a home, he says neutral tones help potential buyers see themselves in the space. Of course, that bright teal may be your favorite, but Chip knows that neutral shades like warm whites and soft grays work with a larger audience. For a reason it works, this “outdated” advice has stood the test of time.

Location Still Matters

White Houses in estate — Photo credit: Eziz Charyyev/Pexels

Chip believes location is still one of the most valuable pieces of advice. You can renovate or remodel a home, but you won’t be moving around. Chip says that if you can find a property in a good area then you will be sure to make a good investment. A report from the National Association of Realtors found that properties in prime locations stay worth far more than those in less desirable locations.

Don’t Ignore Small Fixes

It’s tempting for many to delay small repairs and hope buyers won’t notice. Chip is a fan of fixing even the little things before listing a home. A leaky faucet, a creaky door, or chipped paint may seem trivial, but taken together they make it seem that the home isn’t cared for. Chip thinks it’s better to deal with these things up front to make a good first impression.

Open Floor Plans Aren’t Everything

Over the past few years, open floor plans have been the rage. However, Chip cautions that they aren’t always the best choice for every home. Some people, he points out, actually like distinct spaces, particularly as more families are spending time working and learning at home. Chip has also said that people want privacy and that though open spaces can be beautiful, so can walls and defined rooms.

Quality Landscaping – It’s Value

One of the other “outdated” tips that Chip swears by is investment in quality landscaping. Cutting the grass is more than that, it’s about making an outdoor space that fits with the house. Chip has always loved a well designed garden or a few shrubs placed thoughtfully in the property for they add dimension and beauty. Research from Virginia Tech says that good landscaping can add as much as 12% to a home’s value.

Don’t Overdo Modern Upgrades

It’s nice to load up a home with the latest smart tech and high end finishes but Chip warns against going too far. This is because he believes in balancing and appropriateness of upgrades to the property’s market value. Chip advises investing in upgrades that fit the home’s style and personality, which usually yields a better return on your dollar long term.

Staging Still Works

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Staging is a bit old school, but Chip knows the value of a well staged home. Staging is focused on arranging furniture, a few homey touches and keeping spaces tidy, to give buyers a view of the potential of a property. The truth is, according to a Real Estate Staging Association study, homes that have been staged sell 73% faster than those that haven’t. Chip says it’s smart to show buyers how the space might be used.

Trusting Your Gut

Chip says real estate sometimes feels like data and numbers, but there’s room for intuition, too. When he does find a property that ‘just feels right,’ he often talks about trusting his gut. He’s not saying he doesn’t pay attention to logic or numbers, he just ascribes more importance to the feeling of a place. Trusting his instincts has been the best investment for him.

Patience Is a Virtue

Finally, one of Chip’s core principles, patience, may seem old fashioned, but it’s something he finally does advise. In this type of market where everyone wants quick results, Chip is a proponent of waiting for the right property or buyer to appear. It’s been this patience that’s helped him make many of his successful investments.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.