| Whether it’s a first home or the next home, most | | | | it was surrounded by homes of a similar size. |
| home buyers anticipate moving to a different house | | | | Conversely, a small or medium house near a larger |
| eventually. Because of this reality, a property’s | | | | home tends to climb in value. |
| resale value should be an important aspect in the | | | | |
| decision-making process. While the location of a home | | | | Bedrooms and Bathrooms. Three and four bedroom |
| obviously has an impact on its resale value, as local | | | | houses are the most popular among homebuyers. Five |
| markets can change from block to block let alone city | | | | is okay as long as it doesn’t cost too much extra |
| to city, there are others dimensions of a home which | | | | for the additional bedroom. There should always be at |
| can affect its resale value when it is finally time to sell | | | | least two bathrooms in a house. If the home |
| it. Some features which may be desirable to some will | | | | purchased is within these ranges, there will be more |
| be unappealing to others. When the point is to | | | | potential buyers interested in it when its time to resell. |
| purchase a house that will be capable of attracting a | | | | Closets, Garages, and Laundry. Walk-in closets are |
| new owner in the future, knowing what features will | | | | extremely desirable for the master bedroom. For the |
| increase or decrease its marketability is crucial. Here | | | | rest of the house, just be sure there is plenty of closet |
| are some things to think about when choosing which | | | | space. Garages add to the resale value, with two-car |
| specific home to buy. | | | | stalls being the most preferable. In some areas of the |
| A Home With a View. Homes with a pleasant view | | | | country, three-car garages have become desirable. |
| often sell at a premium above similar homes without | | | | Main-level laundry facilities, easily accessed without |
| the pretty backdrop. Though some people may place | | | | having to use the stairs, are very attractive to potential |
| a dollar value on what the home’s surroundings | | | | home buyers as long as they aren’t an eyesore. |
| look like, future buyers may not be willing to pay extra | | | | |
| for it. Additionally, unless the scenic areas are part of | | | | The Kitchen. The kitchen tends to be the center of |
| the property, a beautiful view cannot be guaranteed: | | | | activity in all homes, so this is often the most important |
| what if the area is changed by developers? Having a | | | | room to a potential home buyer. Large kitchens are |
| scenic view is strictly for pleasure and should not be | | | | good, modern kitchens are better. Eat-in kitchens and |
| considered an investment. | | | | dining rooms seem to be equally as popular, provided |
| Lot. Though most of a property’s estimated value | | | | the dining room is adjacent to the kitchen. It’s also |
| is concentrated in the structures, the lot itself is also | | | | preferable that the family room be close to the kitchen. |
| important. Assuming the property is in a typical | | | | |
| neighborhood, the lot should be rectangular and not | | | | Swimming Pools. Though at one time it was thought |
| oddly shaped or awkwardly situated. Though modern | | | | they added a lot of value to a home, swimming pools |
| homes tend to have smaller lots than older homes, | | | | can detract from a home’s marketability. This can |
| there should still be a reasonably sized front and back | | | | be particularly true if the house is not located in a |
| yard. Do not buy a house with a too small or | | | | region like Florida, where the pool can be used for |
| non-existent backyard. | | | | more than a few months out of the year. For safety |
| Landscaping. Do not purchase a home which has an | | | | reasons, families with small children will avoid homes |
| abundance of landscaping. Once again, a premium is | | | | with pools. Others see them as another maintenance |
| paid for a well-landscaped yard which may not be | | | | liability. Pools, like a scenic view, are for pleasure and |
| recovered when the home is resold. A house which | | | | are not an investment. |
| has little to moderate landscaping has the best value. | | | | When purchasing a home that will eventually be resold, |
| House Size. In each residential neighborhood, houses | | | | it’s important to take into account what features |
| will vary in size and rooms. However, if resale value is | | | | other people would like to have in a house. Determining |
| an important consideration, make it a point not to buy | | | | "wants" versus "needs" is absolutely critical. The |
| the largest home in the neighborhood. When | | | | making sacrifices now to buy a home that will be |
| determining market price, the nearest homes to a | | | | easily sold in the future will pay off when the next, |
| property will affect its resale value. A large house | | | | bigger, better home is purchased. |
| surrounded by smaller houses will sell for lower than if | | | | |