Buying A Home For Resale Value

If you're preparing to search for a new home, you'll want to consider two sets of criteria. The first set of criteria defines what you want, and most of all need, for your family to be happy in the home. We've talked about creating your list of, and separating housing wants and needs in previous blog posts.

The elements that contribute to resale value make up the second set of criteria. Unless you are entering retirement and purchasing your very last home, there's a good chance you'll want to sell this one someday - and you'll want to sell for the highest possible price. Make a purchase with the following elements in mind to increase your home's resale potential when it comes time to sell.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

Location, Location, Location

You've heard this a million times, because it's true! How close is the property to neighborhood shopping centers and restaurants? How close is it to the freeways or public transit? What's the view like? How about the neighborhood noise level? Does the street have little traffic or tons of it? Even if you don't have children, you should look at homes in neighborhoods within good school districts, as this can dramatically effect resale value. Resale potential is also higher if the property has off-street parking. Consider the condition of the rest of the homes in the neighborhood as well - their value affects the value of your property.

Commute times require special consideration during the home-buying process - it's easy to fall in love with a home, only to find out weeks after moving in, that you've inadvertently added 30 minutes or more to your commute time.

Home Size & Useable Space

How big the home is and the space that is useable can make a big difference when it comes to the resale value of your home. When the layout is poor and there's too much wasted space, the home isn't as attractive to potential buyers. While resale value isn't the only reason to purchase a new home, it should be a factor when you consider your new home purchase. Home size will matter, depending on the neighborhood where you home is located and the comparable properties in the area. Take into consideration what you need in a home now, and look for ways you can renovate in the future to make the space more useable.

A Well-Designed Floor Plan

These days, many Austin new home buyers like homes with open floor plans, high ceilings, large rooms and lots of light. Larger master bedrooms, master baths and kitchens are always popular. Reasonably sized secondary bedrooms are important as well. Total bedrooms should be at least three if not four. In general, the more bathrooms a home has, the better the resale potential. If it's a multi-level home, there should be at least a half bath on the main floor. At minimum, the home should have two bathrooms. Ample storage and closet space, preferably throughout the home, is also important.

Curb Appeal, Landscaping & Maintenance

Buyers usually prefer level driveways and yards. Even if you want a home on a hill, look for a fairly level driveway and a yard where at least a portion is flat. Buyers also find traditional rectangular lots more desirable than oddly shaped ones. If you're buying a single-family property, look for one with a yard, a garden or a patio.

As far as landscaping, generally you're going to pay more if you buy a home with a perfectly landscaped yard. (There's a reason real estate agents always recommend to sellers to spruce-up the curb appeal prior to listing a home for sale - because it works!) Be sure to fully consider moderately landscaped properties, or even that "ugly-duckling." If you've got a good sense of vision, and it's a good lot, you can improve upon it later and benefit from the increase in resale value.

On the opposite side of the spectrum, it's possible to improve your curb appeal too much, so much that it hurts your future resale potential.

While everyone will think your yard is positively gorgeous, they'll may have a difficult time envisoning themselves taking care of it, or having to pay a landscape company to do it for them. So, if you plan to sell in 2-5 years, be careful not to overdo it on the landscaping, unless the improvements are low-maintenance.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.