Part one in a three part series highlighting every role needed to build an elite project team
Kelly Ferguson brings over two decades of expertise in real estate investment and brokerage, making her a distinguished figure in the industry. Kelly's diverse experience, spanning private clients and global real estate investment, now defines the boutique excellence of Fort Bend Real Estate Corporation (FBRE) and Ferguson Real Estate Consulting. Her meticulous, relationship-based approach has consistently optimized value for both institutional and individual clients. Not only does Kelly have a wealth of expertise, but she also has an impeccable eye for design and is one of the most enjoyable people to work with! Atelier Interiors has had the pleasure of partnering with Kelly on both residential and commercial projects. Kelly, thank you for joining us!
1. You have an extensive background in luxury real estate investment and brokerage. How would you describe the current trends in the luxury residential market in the Greater Houston area?
In the residential real estate industry, there is general concern regarding rising interest rates, low inventory, and economic uncertainty. However, the luxury market has maintained a positive pricing trajectory. The tangibility of real estate and its history of outpacing inflation make it appealing. More and more, the particular appeal of luxury residential real estate is that it presents an opportunity to invest financially but also in one's quality of life.
2. Many of our clients are interested in whether it's a better time to buy a new luxury property or renovate an existing one. What factors do you consider when advising clients on this decision?
As "replacement" costs continue to rise, it's certainly a good time to purchase a new luxury property. However, I see a significant opportunity in today's market to purchase a home and renovate. Even with the reduced pool of buyers in today's market, move-in-ready homes are selling very quickly. There are more "value" opportunities if buyers are willing to remodel. Many of these renovation opportunities are in prime locations, where there is substantial upside in future appreciation.
3. As a realtor you are one of the first partners in the team to set eyes on a potential project, could you share some insights into how you assist clients in envisioning the potential of a property, especially in terms of renovation or customization?
This is one of my favorite parts of my job! I stay up to date with current trends, but I've also been in the business long enough to see trends come and go. I help clients differentiate between the cosmetic and foundational elements of a house. When clients struggle with honing in on their preferences or envisioning functional floor plans, I encourage them to tour multiple properties. The more they see, the better able they are able to discern their preferences. I often advise retaining a designer even before making a home purchase. Homes are rarely "perfect" for people. A designer can help clients envision how a home's "weaknesses" could be remedied or simply help the client discern if the home is the right fit based on a client's preferences and lifestyle.
6. Under what circumstances do you recommend that buyer enlist the services of an interior designer?
I always encourage clients to retain and build a relationship with a designer who can help them beautify their home and increase the value of their investment, but also optimize their enjoyment of the home. For clients wanting to build, I emphasize the importance of working with a designer from the very beginning of the process. A designer can provide direction to the builder and the architect, making the process more efficient and the end product more beautiful and better designed to meet the client's preferences and lifestyle.
5. What are some key considerations for clients looking to invest in luxury properties for potential resale value or long-term appreciation?
Continually improve the improvements! Consider making small-scale improvements year-by-year rather than wait until a broad-scale "update" becomes necessary. Homes that are move-in ready sell more quickly and for a premium. And as the updates are made, the homeowners get to enjoy them. I have lost count of the number of clients who make small updates to make their house "market ready" and they kick themselves for not doing it sooner so they could have enjoyed the updates before selling.
7. Everyone wants to invest wisely. Are there specific interior design features or upgrades that you've observed to have a significant impact on property value and marketability?
Easy: kitchens, closets, outdoor areas.
8. They say, “Everything is Bigger in Texas,” is bigger always better?
The luxury market includes a sect that prefers smaller homes, which are difficult to find in the new- and recent-construction arenas. In the luxury market, where properties are nuanced and a large portion of value is derived from the underlying land, per-square-foot valuations may not be particularly relevant, and buyers are willing to pay more per square foot for a smaller, remodeled home that suits their lifestyle and preferences.
9. You also represent and manage commercial properties. What role do you see design playing in the commercial market.
As the pendulum swings back toward working from an office, I have seen an increased appreciation for comfort and convenience in the work space. "Serenity" is perhaps a new amenity. There is definitely a reversion from the open-concept design that permeated the pre-pandemic market, and the new definition of "upscale" includes a coziness factor. The ideal workplace marries form and function conducive to productivity with comfort and convenience that rivals working from home.
You can see the importance of enlisting a qualified realtor as an initial step! A skilled realtor like Kelly brings immense value to the team by providing crucial market insights and helping to clarify expectations for return on investment. This expert guidance aids designers, architects, and builders in aligning their work with the client's project goals, setting a clear trajectory for the project. By doing so, the process becomes more efficient, ultimately saving time and money while ensuring a full return on investment. Realtors are essential team members!
Learn more about Kelly's boutique consulting service FBRE by visiting the FBRE website as well as her current listings , which are stunning! In addition, Kelly and Atelier Interiors are in process of refreshing the Atrium of her commercial space and the design of a new coworking space called The Vault located at 8410 Highway 90A in Sugar Land. The first phase of The Vault was completely leased before the build out even completed! Phase 2 is under design development now.
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