The Power of Perception: Uptown Refresh Success Story
What Resonates With Buyers
Buyers in today's market are feeling the pinch of high interest rates and rising insurance costs. They’re also shopping in a market with more inventory than New Orleans has seen in years. Together, these factors mean that buyers are demanding more from the homes available.
New Orleans homebuyers are being especially selective. If they’re already forced to shop at the top of their budgets, they’re often unwilling to take on a renovation—or may not feel comfortable making an offer on a home that still needs work. They may lack the confidence that they’ll have the cash reserves to renovate a kitchen and replace an AC compressor if it goes out.
Buyers today gravitate toward homes that feel well cared for and are styled to reflect current trends.
Out of Date, Sitting on the Market
When the owners of 725 General Pershing listed their home, they ensured there were no major issues with the home’s systems. It had an amazing location—right in the heart of New Orleans' Uptown neighborhood. It featured off-street parking, a rare amenity in the historic district. With four bedrooms, ample square footage, and a flexible layout perfect for entertaining, it checked many boxes.
The Hendrix Group meticulously cleaned and presented the home with light staging, professional photos, and a robust marketing plan. The house saw strong showing activity and great foot traffic from open houses—but no offers came in.
After a price reduction, The Hendrix Group received even more showing requests and strong open house attendance—but still, no offers.
Fact-Finding Missions
What was Trending Then, Isnt Trending Now
Since the owners purchased the home, design preferences had shifted. The brightly colored walls and chocolate-stained hardwood floors were no longer on trend. Buyers now favored a more neutral, earthy palette. What was once a bold, teal accent wall stretching from the living room into the kitchen—originally designed to frame artwork—now felt dated. The chocolate-stained hardwood floors and brown kitchen cabinetry felt dark and moody, showing scuffs from years of family life. While some design aesthetics have staying power, many trends shift every few years. Preferences for paint colors, floor finishes, and metal fixtures rotate in and out of fashion fairly quickly.
These weren’t outdated design elements like 70-year-old shag carpet or serious issues like knob-and-tube wiring. But it was just outdated enough for buyers to think, “Eh, maybe we’ll keep looking.”
Listening to Feedback
The Hendrix Group knew a change was needed to recapture buyer attention. The home was being overlooked by serious buyers due to cosmetic choices made a decade ago—choices that could be easily updated.
After talking with the owners, we developed a plan: repaint the walls in a neutral, creamy white to replace the bold teal, and refinish the hardwood floors. The dark stain would be removed, and a lighter, natural seal applied to highlight the wood’s natural beauty.
The transformation was immediate. The home felt bright, airy, and full of natural light. The hardwood floors were pristine and shiny.
Results
After sitting on the market for sale or lease for five months with no offers, The Hendrix Group facilitated the design refresh with help from our sister company, Bayou Development. The property was relisted and went under lease contract within 66 days—well below the average days on market at that time (90 days).
The refresh took less than two weeks and required a minimal investment.
Photos:
Before: The dark chocolate floors and darker paint made the home feel dark and moody.
After: Lightening the floors and wall color brightened up the home, making it warm and inviting.
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