Real Estate Rookie Podcast Summary Episode: THIS Is Killing Your Real Estate Profits (Do This Instead!)
Release Date: July 30, 2025
Hosts: Ashley Kerr and Tony J. Robinson
Guest: Brianna Amigo, Owner of Brianna Michelle Interiors

Introduction: Emphasizing the Power of Design in Real Estate Investing

In this insightful episode of the Real Estate Rookie podcast, hosts Ashley Kerr and Tony J. Robinson welcome Brianna Amigo, a seasoned interior designer and owner of Brianna Michelle Interiors. Brianna brings a wealth of expertise, having collaborated with the hosts on various real estate projects including flips, Airbnbs, and hotels. The primary focus of the discussion revolves around how intentional and strategic design can significantly impact the profitability of real estate investments.

The Crucial Role of Design in Maximizing Profits

Brianna Amigo opens the conversation by redefining design beyond mere aesthetics. She explains, “Design is beyond the aesthetics... it’s about curating a beautiful space and creating that optimal guest experience” ([00:47]). According to Brianna, effective design not only enhances visual appeal but also strategically evokes emotions in guests or buyers, thereby increasing the property's perceived value and revenue potential.

Ashley Kerr concurs, highlighting that while investors often focus on numbers—such as rehab costs and budgeting for materials—the design element can be a game-changer. She emphasizes, “Not being intentional about actually providing that value, that can move the needle profit-wise...” ([02:48]). Tony J. Robinson adds that design impacts every aspect of real estate investing, from renovation choices to rental rates, yet it often remains an overlooked aspect for many investors.

Common Design Pitfalls for Rookie Investors

The hosts and Brianna identify several common mistakes that rookie investors make regarding property design:

1. Design as an Afterthought: Investors often prioritize acquisition and renovation costs, sidelining design until later stages, which can lead to suboptimal outcomes.

2. DIY Design Challenges: Attempting to design properties without professional help can result in delays and poor design choices. For instance, Ashley shares her own experience where indecision over tile selection caused project delays ([31:30]).

3. Lack of Market Understanding: Failing to research and understand market trends and competitor offerings can lead to designs that do not resonate with the target audience.

Brianna stresses the importance of integrating design considerations from the very beginning of the investment analysis to ensure that budgeting for design is accurate and beneficial.

Steps to Effective Property Design

To harness the full potential of design in real estate investing, Brianna outlines a strategic approach:

1. Research and Market Analysis ([06:47]): Utilize tools like AirDNA to analyze market data, understand top-performing properties, and identify amenities that can drive revenue.

2. Define Target Audience: Create detailed personas of ideal guests or buyers to tailor the design to their preferences and needs.

3. Formulate a Vision ([11:09]): Develop a clear vision through mood boards, color palettes, and vision statements. Brianna recommends using tools like Notion and Canva to organize and visualize design concepts.

4. Implementation: Curate furnishings, finishes, and styling elements that align with the established vision. This includes selecting fabrics, lighting, and decor that enhance the overall guest or buyer experience.

Budgeting and Timelines for Design

Proper budgeting and timeline management are critical for successful design implementation. Brianna advises:

• Budget Allocation: Base the design budget on market data to ensure that expenditures on furnishings and amenities yield a return. Avoid overspending by balancing opportunity versus investment ([06:47]).

• Timeline Management ([16:25]): Allocate approximately four to six weeks for the design process, including research, procurement, and installation. This ensures that renovations proceed without unnecessary delays.

Balancing Bold and Safe Design Choices

While innovative design can make a property stand out, it’s essential to strike a balance to avoid alienating potential buyers or guests. Brianna suggests focusing on high-impact, low-cost design elements that enhance the space without overcomplicating it. For example, opting for “earthy, clean, serene tones” can appeal to a broader audience compared to more niche color choices like bright pink ([17:45]).

Tools and Resources for Designing Properties

To aid rookie investors in the design process, Brianna recommends several tools and resources:

• Inspiration Platforms: Utilize Pinterest and Instagram for design inspiration and to stay updated with current trends.

• Project Management: Use Notion for organizing design projects, collaborating with designers, and managing procurement lists.

• Design Tools: Canva can be an effective tool for creating mood boards and visualizing design concepts without the need for advanced design skills.

Enhancing Listings Through Professional Photography

Brianna underscores the importance of professional photography in showcasing the design quality of a property. High-quality images can tell a story and evoke emotions, making listings more appealing. She advises incorporating lifestyle photography, seasonal photos, and capturing various lighting conditions to highlight different aspects of the property ([33:22]).

Ashley shares her own strategy of capturing properties in different seasons to enhance visual appeal, demonstrating the tangible benefits of professional photography.

Future Design Trends and Market Adaptation

Looking ahead, Brianna anticipates a shift towards more professionally designed properties as DIY approaches become less sustainable. She predicts that design will become a fundamental requirement (“table stakes”) in the next five years, with a focus on longevity and adaptability to market shifts. Emerging trends include:

• Moody and Layered Designs: Incorporating darker tones, vintage elements, and layered colors to create a more immersive and nostalgic experience ([35:32]).

• Premium Amenities: Investing in high-quality, unique amenities such as game rooms, theaters, and outdoor entertainment areas to attract multi-generational families and larger groups.

Tony echoes this sentiment, noting a move towards consolidating investments into fewer, more premium properties that offer higher revenue per property with reduced management overhead ([38:01]).

Hiring a Professional Designer

When considering hiring a professional designer, Brianna recommends:

• Pricing Models: Most designers charge either a flat rate based on the project scope or a percentage of the total cost of materials and furnishings. Brianna emphasizes the importance of transparency, offering custom quotes based on property size and specific needs ([42:07]).

• Budget Planning: Define a clear design budget upfront, ensuring it aligns with the overall investment strategy and revenue targets.

Conclusion: Strategic Design as a Profit Driver

The episode concludes with invaluable insights from Brianna Amigo on how strategic design can significantly enhance the profitability of real estate investments. By integrating thoughtful design from the outset, leveraging professional resources, and staying attuned to market trends, rookie investors can transform their properties into highly desirable and lucrative assets.

Connect with Brianna Amigo:

• Instagram: Brianna Michelle Interiors
• Website: briannamichelleinteriors.com
• Consultation: Set up a free consultation call via her website.

Notable Quotes:

• Brianna Amigo ([00:47]): “Design is beyond the aesthetics... it’s about curating a beautiful space and creating that optimal guest experience.”

• Ashley Kerr ([02:48]): “Not being intentional about actually providing that value, that can move the needle profit-wise...”

• Brianna Amigo ([16:25]): “Allocating four to six weeks is probably a good, healthy timeline to work with.”

• Brianna Amigo ([33:22]): “Photography is so important when it comes to short Term rentals.”

This episode of Real Estate Rookie provides a comprehensive guide for new investors on the pivotal role of design in maximizing real estate profits. By following the expert advice shared by Brianna Amigo, rookies can avoid common pitfalls and strategically enhance their property’s appeal and profitability.