Flipping the Script: Smart Design Moves That Add Real Value

Not all renovations are created equal. Some boost your equity and curb appeal, while others quietly drain your budget without adding meaningful value. For San Antonio-based real estate agent and investor Alyssa Marquez, understanding the difference has been the key to building homes—and portfolios—that perform.

From day one, Alyssa approached real estate not just as an agent, but as a future investor. "I started working with investors early on," she shares. "I helped them source properties, analyze deals, and guide renovations. Being hands-on in their projects helped me learn from their wins and their mistakes."

Her first personal renovation came in 2024—a project her lender nearly passed on. "They didn’t think it was a good deal, but I trusted the numbers," she says. That flip earned multiple offers in its first week, selling $9,000 over asking. It confirmed what Alyssa already knew: strategic design and data-driven decision-making go hand in hand.

Value in the Details

For homeowners or new investors, Alyssa suggests starting with small, impactful upgrades. "Fresh paint, updated lighting, curb appeal—those are always smart. Cohesive flooring throughout a home creates flow, and small changes in kitchens and baths—like new mirrors or hardware—can elevate the space without a full remodel."

She also urges caution with trends. "Highly personal or niche design choices can make resale tricky. Bold tile, trendy colors—they may look great on Instagram, but that doesn’t mean buyers will bite."

Instead, Alyssa leans on timeless elements: warm natural textures, neutral paints, and statement lighting. "Simple, elevated finishes create a fresh look that appeals across the board."

Designing with Intention

One of the most common renovation missteps? Overspending in the wrong places. "People skip layout fixes and blow the budget on finishes. But your layout determines how a home lives. And buyers compare—your home won’t sell just because it’s updated. It has to show better than the others in your price range."

To help clients stay on track, Alyssa relies on local data. "We reverse-engineer from the comps. What sold quickly? What finishes did it have? What layouts worked? We use that to guide every decision."

446 Forrest Hill Listed by Alyssa Marquez

The Real Work: Forrest Hill

One of Alyssa’s biggest undertakings was 446 Forrest Hill. "It was a full reconfiguration," she explains. "We opened up walls, redesigned the primary suite, and had to stretch every dollar." Though the home hasn’t sold yet, the transformation was dramatic. "It was dated and closed-off before. Now, it feels open, modern, and custom. Buyers comment on the flow and elevated feel right away."

Practical Takeaways

For readers tackling their own renovation, Alyssa keeps it simple: "Start with numbers, not mood boards. Know your comps, your budget, your timeline. Then prioritize layout, light, and flow."

Some of her go-to touches? Warm whites like Swiss Coffee or Alabaster, matte black accents paired with wood textures, and open sightlines that maximize natural light.

Her personal design style—which she calls "Spanish modern"—reflects her roots. "I grew up in New Mexico, where homes had character: arched doorways, natural textures. I’m drawn to sleek lines but with organic warmth."

The Final Layer

Whether it’s sourcing materials from Floor & Decor, scrolling Facebook Marketplace for a unique piece, or partnering with a trusted GC, Alyssa's philosophy is clear: thoughtful design creates lasting value. "Design isn’t about trends. It’s about choices that work today, and hold up tomorrow."

And that’s the real flip: using style not just to impress, but to invest.