Want to Increase Your Home’s Resale Value? Consider a Custom Closet
Thinking about selling your home? Local realtors and the experts at California Closets share why upgrading to a dream custom closet might be the ultimate key to a faster sale and a higher return. Image: California Closets
Fans of Sex and the City might recall how Carrie opted for a massive closet over a massive diamond when Big finally popped the question. Who could blame her? Their relationship had been up and down for years, but a custom closet never disappoints — and it could even boost your home’s resale value.
Since 1978, California Closets has been leading the way in custom closet creation. We spoke with the OG luxury space designers, along with Nashville realtors, to learn why saying “I do” to your dream closet could give you a leg up when you’re ready to sell.
The Evolution of the Closet
Closets have come a long way in both form and function. More than just a place to store your clothes, they have become a sanctuary. A private retreat to prepare for — or unwind from — your day. J.T. Morin of California Closets credits the rise of the custom closet to the open concept trend in home building.
“There isn’t a lot of privacy in these deigns,” he says. “The closet is the one that is uniquely yours and no one else’s. There’s a value to having a space that’s all your own and is designed specifically for you and your things.”
Jenny Telwar of Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty in Nashville agrees, noting curated closet spaces rank highly on buyer wish lists, especially in the primary bedroom, where dual closets have become increasingly popular.
“Having spacious and thoughtfully curated closets is now the norm, and the lack of such spaces could be why buyers pass on a home,” she describes.
“It has steered away from a nice-to-have luxury to a necessity,” adds J.T. “If the closets aren’t good, a potential buyer knows they will have to update that. If they are comparing two homes on the same street, and one has a custom closet, it’s a no-brainer which one will sell the fastest.”
Maximizing Your Investment
Sure, closets are primarily designed to hold clothing, but today’s custom spaces are limited only by imagination. Many are designed with seating, vanities, and even office areas.
“It’s about being thoughtful with the space and how to use it,” says J.T. “How do you start your day? What are your rituals?”
Jenny explains today’s buyers are “obsessed” with organization and seek a seamless blend of functionality and presentation. Islands or center storage areas with accessory drawers are especially attractive to buyers, as are adjustable shelving, shoe walls, full-length mirrors, and glass-front cabinets.
Lighting is another important consideration. Lean into natural lighting, overhead fixtures, or even lamps rather than harsh fluorescent bulbs.
“Lighting helps immensely when putting outfits together,” she explains.
Beyond the Bedroom
Don’t be afraid to think outside the closet doors when you are creating intentional spaces that can increase your home’s appeal. Garages, pantries, mudrooms, and more can all benefit from a California Closets makeover — especially if you plan to sell. Organized spaces show well and help potential buyers imagine themselves in the space.
“When buyers walk into a home, they’re not just evaluating square footage — they’re imagining how they’ll live there,” says Gary Ashton of Ashton Real Estate Group, RE/MAX Advantage in Nashville. “Beautiful, thoughtfully designed custom storage immediately tells you a home has been well cared for and adds a level of functionality buyers are willing to pay for. It’s one of the few home improvements that delivers both an emotional and practical return.”
“It is a perceived value because a custom closet can make a home show better and can speed up sale time, even if the dollar-for-dollar return isn’t 100%,” adds Jenny.
And you don’t need a massive space (or bank account) to make a massive impact. As J.T. points out, “Intentionality doesn’t have a budget.”
What’s more important, according to Jenny, is that the build-out works with the house’s style and price range. Simple things like swapping wire shelves for a real shelving or rod system are a minimal investment that makes a big difference in the look and feel of the space.
“Neutral, high-quality finishes or perks matter more for resale than trendy or hyper-personalized designs,” she says.
And ultimately, use the build-out effectively to declutter and organize the space.
“You don’t have to have a perfect closet, but it goes a long way when showcasing your space or just organizing your life,” Jenny continues. “Many say an organized closet helps lead to a peaceful mind.”
You can’t put a price on that!
This article is sponsored by California Closets.
Bonny Osterhage
Bonny Osterhage is a professional journalist with more than 25 years of experience in both print and digital media. An avid fitness fanatic, when she isn't exploring the next trending topic, Bonny can be found cycling, running, and leading classes at SolidCore. Find more of her work at Mind Body Green, The List, Business Insider, and more.
