What if your forever home turns out to be a temporary stop? While many of us fall so deeply in love with our first homes that we can’t see ourselves ever wanting to move, the reality is that most people will buy three homes during their lifetimes. That’s why it’s important to have your future home’s “resale factor” in mind as you house hunt!
Yes, it’s still important to make finding a home that works for your needs a priority. Nobody likes to feel like they’re just keeping a house warm for someone else. However, you can only benefit from considering what a future buyer might think.
Let’s cover a few resale factors to consider for your next home.
#1 – Location
Is your home next to things that people want to be next to? While you may fall in love with a property for its quaint details, a future buyer may only see a long commute with very few options for entertainment and leisure.
It’s important to keep proper perspective regarding your home’s location. In some cases, the resale value won’t matter to you because you simply want a home in a specific area because you want to be close to family, a specific job, or a specific slice of “country life.” That makes your decision uniquely priceless. However, it’s important to keep in mind that prices are higher in “hot” areas for a reason.
#2 – Bedrooms
Bedrooms are hot because they aren’t just bedrooms. Every “extra” bedroom in a home raises the potential for a home office, craft room, or game room. Of course, extra bedrooms are valuable by default simply because many families need extra bedrooms to avoid crowding.
The bottom line is that you shouldn’t rule out a home with “more bedrooms than you need” today if your budget can swing it. “Future you” who is using profit from this house to fund the next house just might thank you a lot!
#3 – Bathrooms
People love more bathrooms. It’s tougher to move a house with one bathroom in a slower market. The reality is that bathrooms are desirable because they are practical, add privacy and simply increase the quality of life.
⭐ If you currently own a home, here are some things you can do to boost your equity before selling!
#4 – Yard
The trend of a large, flat yard is never going out of style. First, people like to know that there’s room to grow if they ever want to add an addition. People also love the idea of being able to add things like pools, swing sets, or gardens. Features like beautiful decks or patios can also add value.
#5 – House Size
This is where things get complicated. You may be assuming that buying the largest home in the neighborhood is the ticket to getting the best resale value. In reality, your home’s value will be partly determined by the recent sales in the neighborhood.
That means that you can actually get a better return on investment if you buy the smallest home in a neighborhood because the resale value will be boosted by the larger homes around you!
#6 – Zoning
You really have to be a future thinker with this one! If you’re buying a home in a relatively undeveloped neighborhood, what happens next could determine how much your home value increases.
In some cases, new developments that mar the landscape or block views could harm your property value. The same goes for things like new roads or highways. By contrast, a new family-friendly park or biking path could increase your value. Check out what the zoning regulations near a home allow for before making a commitment.
Struggling to Understand Resale Value as a New Buyer? We Can Help!
Trying to buy a home today that secures your future for tomorrow can be intimidating. At Stevens Realty, we help our clients take a deep look at every property to truly understand its value. If you’re looking for an Arizona home that you can enjoy living in right now that will also provide some extra peace of mind for the future, Keith and Janna are here to help. Contact Stevens Realty today to begin your property search!
We are Keith and Janna Stevens, and we’ve been in the realtor game for years now. We’ve learned a lot along the way and want to share that experience with you. Enjoy our blog, and when you’re ready to buy or sell your home, be sure to reach out to us!