Before you commit to buying, make sure you consider whether some of your favorite features might actually hold your house back (later down the road) when it comes time to sell. Some design and architectural details split homeowners evenly, with half considering them a no-go and the other half completely obsessed. It’s best to know exactly what you are getting into. Here’s what to look for in a future home.
A school next door – If you have young kids, living next door to their school might seem like a dream come true. But buyers without school-age children won’t see it that way. With schools come endless lines of cars and buses as well as a tempered speed limit that might make getting to work each morning a pain. What about that joyful noise from the playground? It might not be so joyful when you’re working or relaxing at home.
Middle of the action location – Some people love to look out their windows and see the world go by : restaurants and bars within walking distance, your favorite clothing store down the street and easy access to major thoroughfares. But think again before buying. Not everyone wants to live directly adjacent to a busy street. Homes that are on busy streets command less value than interior homes.
Upstairs, downstairs or in between? – There’s something very romantic about a multistory home but when it comes time to sell, your two-story home might offer it’s own unique challenges especially if it doesn’t have the master bedroom on the first floor. A staircase may also be a problem for buyers which is why one story ranch homes are highly sought after.
A swimming pool – If you live in a city were an in-ground pool is a must have than you can skip this advice, but if you live in a mild or cool climate, don’t expect a pool to help you out much when you put your home on the market. A pool requires a significant amount of maintenance, so just be warned that it probably will not add value to your home if you don’t live in a warmer climate.
Over the top renovations – If there are no other homes in your neighborhood that offer features such as high end granite countertops or a elaborately landscaped yard, they could be overkill when it comes time to sell. People do over improve, but there can be consequences for that. No one wants to be the people who bought the ostentatious home in the neighborhood.
Big (or small) backyard – Backyard size can be a huge divider. You might love your giant backyard but some buyers might not want to deal with that upkeep. It your lawn is small without any kind of barrier that mimics seclusion, it too might be hard to sell.
Tile flooring – Tile is one the most difficult flooring types to remove and can easily dismay prospective buyers. Tile is very difficult and expensive to change and is often just isn’t attractive. Just know, that everyone might not like tile flooring if you do. A better bet is the ever popular basic hardwood flooring.
