The Katrowski's : What I am Looking for when Choosing a Charlotte House of the Week

How I Decide What to Feature (And What Not To)

As I tour homes, I ask myself one key question: Can I capture the essence of this place in a short video? Not everyone can afford a multimillion–dollar home (and honestly, that’s never the point). What I want to share are ideas — a kitchen detail you’d save for your future remodel, an unexpected backsplash choice, a lighting moment that inspires you.

But it’s not just about sharing design elements. Highlighting different homes also helps people who are actively looking become familiar with what’s out there — what the Charlotte market is doing, what homes actually cost, what features matter, and even what things they may realize they don’t want in a home. The more exposure people have to a variety of homes, the more confident they feel in their own search.

So I look for spaces that not only translate well into short clips, but also give viewers a clearer picture of the real Charlotte housing landscape — the inspiring, the surprising, the beautifully designed, and sometimes the “maybe not for me.”

But there are also clear reasons I choose not to feature a home:

1. Over-Personalization

When a home is heavily personalized, it becomes harder for viewers — and buyers — to imagine themselves living there. Too many bold statements or unique choices can overshadow the home’s actual potential. Even if the property is beautiful, it may not be a good fit for House of the Week.

2. Privacy & Safety

I never film or share homes where children’s photos, names, or highly personal details are visible. That’s a firm boundary. Protecting the privacy and safety of families always comes before content.

3. Photos That Don’t Reflect Reality

Homes are meant to be lived in, so it’s unrealistic to expect every property to show perfectly. A home that’s been well-loved and well-lived-in is completely natural — and there’s nothing wrong with that. But occasionally I walk into a house and realize the listing photos told a very different story: scratched walls, dated finishes, missing updates, or maintenance issues that simply weren’t shown. When the in-person experience doesn’t align with what was presented online, it becomes a home I’m not able to highlight. After all, it’s still someone’s personal space, and being mindful and respectful of their property is always imperative.

Professional Courtesy Matters

Another part of my decision-making process is the listing agent. I always tag and credit the agent whose listing it is — that’s non-negotiable. Our industry works best when we support one another, and giving credit where it’s due is a simple way to do that.

I also pay attention to how the agent interacts with me. Just as I would if I were bringing in a potential buyer, I want to know: Is this someone who’s friendly? Respectful? Easy to communicate with? Collaboration matters. When an agent is warm, welcoming, and professional, it encourages me to highlight their listing. When they’re rude, dismissive, or lack basic courtesy, it doesn’t motivate me to promote the home — and often, I won’t post about it at all.

And of course, any home my own clients are seriously considering will never be featured. There’s no reason to invite more competition to a property they love.

The Feedback I Share After a Showing

After I leave a home, I do my best to give the listing agent helpful, honest feedback. Sometimes a house isn’t selling simply because the seller’s furniture doesn’t complement the home — oversized, outdated pieces can age a space instantly. Other times, staged furniture can make the house feel cheaper or fail to anchor a room the way it needs. These things matter, and they affect how a buyer experiences the space.

My goal is always the same: to elevate homes, to share inspiration with my audience, and to support agents and sellers by helping them understand how a house reads in person.

At the End of the Day…

Choosing a Charlotte House of the Week isn’t just about style. It’s about storytelling — finding a home with heart, intention, or interesting potential, and sharing that feeling with you. Whether it’s a million-dollar masterpiece or a cozy bungalow full of charm, the best homes are the ones that offer something unexpected.

And those are the homes I love showing you.