Buying cheap isn’t the same as buying smart.

In this episode of Return On Design, Rachel Niederhofer and her husband Justin break down the very first step in their wealth-building framework: how to buy properties strategically so every purchase has the potential to generate a true return on design.

Rachel and Justin walk you through their process of evaluating deals—from understanding current value, potential value, and the “meat in the middle” (the design and rehab strategy)—to making sure you never overpay or overdesign in ways the market won’t reward.

You’ll learn:

• Why buying smart is about potential, not perfection.
• How to evaluate your market on both a macro and micro level, from school districts to neighborhood comps.
• The math behind analyzing deals—what spread you need, how to calculate after-rehab value (ARV), and where to leave room for profit and equity.
• Why keeping emotion out of buying and design decisions protects your bottom line (and your sanity).
• How overdesigning or ignoring market demands can cost you thousands.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a seasoned investor, or simply someone who wants to understand how to make smarter real estate moves, this episode will equip you with the tools and mindset to see properties not just as homes—but as assets that perform.

👉 If you enjoyed this conversation, make sure to follow the show, share it with a friend who’s looking at real estate, and join Rachel and Justin on YouTube for the full video version.

What if every design decision you made in your home could also grow your net worth?

In this very first episode of Return On Design, hosts Rachel Niederhofer—luxury designer, strategist, and renovation partner—and her husband Justin—business partner and co-pilot—share the story behind their philosophy: every design choice should bring joy today and value tomorrow.

Rachel opens up about her unexpected journey from corporate finance to design, and how she discovered that homes aren’t just places to live—they’re powerful financial tools. Together, Rachel and Justin share the ups and downs of their first property, what they learned about aligning beauty with strategy, and how those lessons sparked their mission to help others do the same.

You’ll learn:

• Why “Return on Design” is more than a catchy phrase—it’s a smarter way to renovate, invest, and build equity.
• The three-step framework to create wealth through design: Buy Smart, Design with Strategy, Build with Impact.
• How to avoid common renovation mistakes that cost money (and instead, invest where it really counts).

Whether you’re designing your forever home, flipping your first property, or simply wondering how to make smarter renovation choices, this episode will show you how to stop leaving money on the table—and start getting a true return on design.

👉 Hit follow, share this episode with a friend who’s thinking about renovating, and don’t forget: the best design decision you can make is one that pays off