Gena Bolton on Talking Real Estate: Why Smart Buyers Should Look Beyond Price Per Square Foot.
Q: Many homebuyers focus heavily on price per square foot when comparing properties. Is that a mistake?
Gena: In many cases, yes. One of the biggest mistakes buyers make is becoming fixated on price per square foot while overlooking how the space actually functions. A larger home isn't always a better value. I often tell clients that it's almost always better to buy a slightly smaller home with high-quality, functional living space than a much larger home filled with awkward layouts, dark rooms, or unusable square footage. The true value of a home comes from how well it lives, not simply how large it is on paper.
Q: When agents discuss finishes rather than floor plans, what are they really talking about?
Gena: We're usually referring to a home's overall finish quality, which appraisers often classify under "Condition and Quality" ratings. While the layout determines how a home flows, the finishes determine its luxury level and market appeal. It's not uncommon to see two nearly identical 2,000-square-foot homes sitting side by side with a price difference of $50,000 to $150,000—or even more—based solely on the quality of materials, craftsmanship, and upgrades.
Q: Why do kitchens have such a significant impact on value?
Gena: The kitchen is typically the most expensive room in the house to renovate, so buyers place a tremendous premium on homes with quality cabinetry. Builder-Grade cabinets are often constructed from particleboard or MDF with laminate finishes. Making them more susceptible to warping, sagging, and wear over time. High-end custom cabinetry can add $20,000 to $40,000 or more to a home's market value compared to basic builder-grade installations.
Q: How much does flooring influence buyer perception?
Gena: Flooring is one of the first things buyers notice when they walk through a home. It's highly visual and very expensive to replace, making it a major contributor to perceived value. Builder's grade basic carpet with minimal padding, lower-end laminate flooring, or entry-level luxury vinyl plank show wear very quickly. Buyers recognize premium flooring like site-finished solid hardwood, high-quality engineered floors and natural stone or premium porcelain tile. As a result, homes with premium flooring often command substantially higher prices than similar homes finished with carpet or low-cost laminate materials.
Q: Are luxury appliances really worth the premium?
Gena: While appliances rarely return their full cost dollar-for-dollar, they significantly influence buyer perception. In today's market, appliances often function as status symbols that elevate a home's luxury appeal. Professional-grade brands, smart-home integration, induction cooking systems, wine refrigeration, and specialty features have a value impact. A luxury appliance package can easily exceed $50,000. More importantly, it creates a memorable first impression that can help a home sell faster and attract stronger offers.
Q: Why do agents often call fixtures and hardware the "jewelry" of a home?
Gena: Because they provide the finishing touches that pull everything together. Lighting, faucets, door hardware, and bathroom fixtures may seem like small details, but collectively they have a major impact on how luxurious a home feels. Although individual fixtures aren't as costly as kitchens or flooring, a home with cohesive, high-end finishes feels curated and move-in ready. Buyers are often willing to pay a premium for that turnkey experience.
Q: How do these upgrades affect appraised value?
Gena: Appraisers don't simply compare square footage. They evaluate overall construction quality and assign ratings that help determine which homes are truly comparable. For example, a home with custom cabinetry, premium hardwood flooring, and professional-grade appliances may receive a significantly higher quality rating than a neighboring home built with standard materials. As a result, the upgraded property is often compared against other higher-end homes during the appraisal process, which can substantially increase its appraised value.
Q: What's the key takeaway for today's buyers?
Gena: Don't let price per square foot be the deciding factor. Focus on the quality of the space, not just the quantity. A thoughtfully designed home with premium finishes, efficient layouts, and functional living areas will often provide greater long-term value, stronger resale potential, and a better daily living experience than a larger home filled with lower-quality materials and underutilized space. When evaluating a property, ask yourself not only how much house you're getting, but how much quality you're getting for your money.
To hear the full interview, go to your local Talking Real Estate