Homes with character often capture attention immediately.
Exposed beams. Unique architecture. Custom tile. Vintage details. Thoughtful built-ins.
They stand out — especially in neighborhoods across Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, Phoenix, and Paradise Valley where many homes may follow similar floor plans.
But here’s something many sellers don’t expect:
Homes with strong personality can sometimes take longer to sell.
That doesn’t mean they aren’t valuable. It means buyer behavior plays a major role.
Let’s break down why.
Character Is Subjective
What one buyer sees as “charming,” another may see as “dated.”
For example:
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A brick accent wall may feel warm to one person and heavy to another.
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Arched doorways may feel elegant — or old-fashioned.
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Bold tile choices may feel artistic — or overwhelming.
The more distinct the style, the smaller the pool of buyers who immediately connect with it.
Neutral homes appeal to more people. Character homes appeal deeply — but selectively.
Buyers Struggle to Separate Style From Structure
Many buyers have difficulty distinguishing between:
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Cosmetic style
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Functional layout
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Structural quality
If they don’t personally love the style, they may assume the home needs “updating” — even if it’s in excellent condition.
That perception can affect:
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Showing feedback
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Offer strength
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Days on market
Presentation matters more with character properties.
Financing and Appraisal Considerations
In some cases, highly customized homes can present appraisal challenges.
If comparable sales nearby are more neutral or recently renovated in a modern style, it may be harder to find direct comparisons.
That doesn’t mean the home is worth less — it just means the buyer pool may be narrower.
Marketing Becomes More Important
Character homes require intentional positioning.
Instead of marketing them as “updated,” the messaging often needs to focus on:
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Craftsmanship
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Architectural details
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Unique design features
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Lifestyle appeal
The right photography and description can attract the right audience.
Without strategic marketing, distinctive features can be misunderstood.
Buyers Often Prioritize Flexibility
Many buyers today prefer homes they can “make their own.”
Neutral palettes feel easier to modify.
When a home has strong personality — custom paint colors, themed rooms, highly specific finishes — buyers may calculate the cost of changes before even considering the positives.
Even if updates are simple, the perception of effort can slow decisions.
Location Still Matters Most
Interestingly, homes with character in highly desirable neighborhoods (Scottsdale luxury areas, parts of Paradise Valley, or historic pockets of Phoenix) may perform differently than similar homes in more production-style communities.
In certain markets, character becomes a selling point.
In others, it becomes a question mark.
Market context matters.
What This Means for Sellers
If your home has personality:
Lean Into It — But Strategically
You don’t always need to remove character.
But you may want to:
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Neutralize overly bold colors
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Declutter highly themed spaces
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Improve lighting
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Highlight craftsmanship
Small adjustments can widen appeal without stripping charm.
Price Realistically
Because the buyer pool may be narrower, pricing correctly from the start becomes critical.
Overpricing a character home can significantly extend time on market.
Be Patient — But Informed
Character homes often need:
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The right buyer
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The right timing
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The right presentation
Longer marketing time doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong.
It often means alignment hasn’t happened yet.
What This Means for Buyers
If you’re drawn to homes with personality:
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You may face less competition
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Sellers may be more negotiable
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You may secure a property others overlooked
Sometimes uniqueness creates opportunity.
The Bottom Line
Homes with character don’t lack value.
They simply require:
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Intentional marketing
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Proper pricing
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Strategic presentation
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Patience
The right buyer will see the charm immediately.
The key is making sure the home is positioned to find them.
Thinking of Selling a Unique or Distinctive Property?
If you’re selling in Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, Phoenix, or Paradise Valley and your home has personality, I’ll help you position it strategically — without stripping away what makes it special.
📞 480-980-4400
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.denisehurd.com
Because character doesn’t slow sales — misalignment does.