Comment by hansvm
4 days ago
I mean, you're both correct.
It's kind of like how when selling a house your optimal strategy is rarely to try to appeal to the most people. Instead, modifications which greatly increase perceived value in a smaller subset (so long as it isn't too small for your personal goals) will alienate most customers but still increase the sale value in the same timespan.
When you're applying for jobs, some companies aren't willing to play that game, and if you're playing it then that's not just fine; it's ideal. You don't waste your time on companies who won't play ball. Enough will that the strategy still works.
I haven't heard this about houses; any examples? Would it be something like replacing the kitchen?
In terms of modifying the house it depends on your local market. The general observation is that something making the house "special" tends to drive the price up rather than down. E.g., radiant heating via floor circulation can be seen as risky and novel, but enough people care that it tends to be profitable. Similarly with "risky" amenities like a backyard walking path. The location determines what a normal house is, so specifics vary wildly, but targeting a large enough sub-market is almost always better than "targeting" a wider market.