Sorry! I should have double checked spelling and punctuation,  but hopefully you understand.  Is there an app that is user friendly without being to expensive  to use for photos?  I just want potential clients to see what they can do with these older homes that need updated and TLC. Thanks so much

The project will not be fake HGTV costs, and design work is not free. You will need to hire a kitchen designer.

I understand that. I was told there is software to at least help and guide folks so they can get visual ideas. I live in a smaller community so there isn't alot of choices to help and was just wondering if there was something I may be missing that would give me rough ideas.

2020 Design is the standard kitchen design software for professionals. Getting set up in it costs about 7-10K, depending on which computer system that you decide to purchase. Some people like a dual monitor setup, and big gaming accessories with it. Some just use a gamer level laptop. It takes a year or 2 to become proficient, and you also need experience with codes and clearances to produce anything of value. This is why you work with the people that already have it, and know all of the "gotcha" things.

A good start to think about everything is an architect's scale, or graph paper. That's where every kitchen designer starts.

Thank you! I am brand new to all of this and understand, it's not how it looks on TV,  but would love to work with someone who does .  I will see if maybe going towards a bigger town will give me more options.  I don't have the technology or need for the software but would love to utilize someone who does.  Thanks !

Hi Bruner - If I understand your goal: you have fixer upper property to sell, and want to entice online buyers, yes?? You’re looking for a service to produce these images, yes? I think your intentions are genuine, and good, to get future buyers interested. This is my opinion only and experience: I’m searching for a home now and frankly, when I see those computer generated images it turns me off. They look canned, they look HGTV, just no personality. On the other side, I recently saw a home online that had glowing descriptions and the photos were complete opposite. Cruddy dirty stained carpet. Gouged floors. A green algae swimming pool. It was priced beyond top dollar sq/ft in this neighborhood. That’s no good either, in my opinion. Truth and honesty wins in my book. I am sorry, I don’t have any suggestions.

Oh I get it!  As you can see this photo is not filtered and 100% authentic. 

I am not sure if I would say I am looking for HGTV,  but more trying to let folks see what can be done .

Some folks will walk right out of a house, that's priced to sell but say no! It needs to much work. I get it. I just wonder if I had rough ideas and prices in a range (I know I know this can be tricky) that maybe they may take a look around and say hey, this would be a great idea etc. I just hate to see homes with so much potential sitting around.

I am sure this is true in alot of areas.

Clearly I was coming from my own personal small world 😉. I guess I am a bit stodgy and old fashioned, Bruner, as evidenced by my post. My idea and desire is to restore my future home as close as possible to original, (not replicate entirely,) but realize it has to be liveable for the 21st century. And I totally understand that people walk out - I have seen it in the months I’ve been looking. Some have no vision or imagination. I guess my real irritation is that the end product of those computer created images - they’re “whitewashed” and usually take away many original features of a home. I really do wish you well in your real estate future. My favorite real estate agents are honest, not pushy, know their market and a sense of humor is nice bonus.

Completely understand!  I hope to be all of those and have a lot to learn.

I will definitely have to rely on experts for their ideas etc.  This home (in pic) unfortunately doesn't have alot of its original charm or character left.  I just hope someone will see it has potential.

Thanks for your input and honesty!

Sure! It has potential.

I am completely new to this and hopefully this goes to Celery. Visualization and Rendering 

Thank you!! This is what I was trying to explain. Of course mine would be more to show potential clients IDEAS, and I know for me I love to stuff. Everyone's budget and style is different but just to be able to say, look what you could do or let's change out this/that.

Thank you so much.  You made my day.

RoomStyler.com is a 3D room designer that is FREE. I have "redesigned" my entire house, room by room. You enter the room's measurements and shape (it has several templates that you can change), put in doors and window, even electrical outlets. Then you can decorate it - it has TONS of furniture and accessories to add. Yes, you can design a kitchen with the cabinets and counters and lighting, even placing dishes in the cabinets, pictures on the walls and rugs on the floor. It then will create a 3D "photo" of what you just did. It's very easy to do - it has to be if I can do it.

Try searching the Photos link on the Houzz home page. Filter using Kitchen for the Room, Compact for Size, and a single $ for Budget.

This link goes to a modest but attractive kitchen with a very similar layout.
https://www.houzz.com/hznb/photos/kitchens-traditional-kitchen-grand-rapids-phvw-vp~2250913

Thanks Tara

I will definitely be checking into that. 

I so appreciate everyones help/ advice.

So excited to start my new journey and have alot to learn!

Post a plan please

I think you have to be an experienced flipper to get interested in those upgrade pictures.

If I were looking at this property, the images of how it could be would not do a lot to influence a decision to purchase. It might suggest what to continue to look for as an alternative. Because the next step for this property would be to figure out what the local costs would be to complete the reno. That info requires the most effort. I'd have to vet local contractors. And figure how to afford to buy and pay for the work.

I think you have better luck partnering with a general contractor who does this kind of work. Have interested clients walk through the property with the contractor. It takes a lot of guts to do this as a homeowner, having a knowledgeable contractor who BTDT is reassuring.

Yes to the last two comments! I was going to say the same things….you don’t need to sell inspiration- most people can Google images and know what a fresh new space looks like. Most people don’t know what they are getting into with a renovation nor have the trusted contacts to get it done. If you have partnerships with the local GCs who can ballpark the MINIMAL cost to update a space then you can SELL that. Don’t bother showing images of what these spaces ‘could be’ because everyone has different opinions on that. Solid relationships and solid (REALISTIC) budgeting will take you far.

I am truly grateful for all of these suggestions and feedback.

I agree about the contractor too. Absolutely would need their feedback and suggestions.  Also would need a budget because we all know you can  do about anything but money is the key factor.

Thank you all so much.

As a newbie I was very intimated to ask but am so happy I did.

Yes, you have to know what your budget is first. It won't hurt at all if you kinda have an idea of what you like, and what you might want it to look like. Then you ask your contractor, designer what you can get that's similar for your physical layout in your budget. You just have to have a conversation with someone in person at the house, looking at the house, and let them know what you would want, to see if it's possible.