subject: Homes With High Resale Value [print this page] Here are some tips and suggestions for finding a home that will be easy to sell down the road. Basically, you need to keep four things in mind: 1) the kitchen, 2) the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, 3) the size of the home and the lot, and 4) the location.
The Kitchen
Look for a home with a modern kitchen layout. When you are ready to sell, make sure that your kitchen can compete with the latest and hottest trends. Consider updating your kitchen prior to selling.
If you can afford to also buy good quality, new kitchen appliances, research suggests that home sellers will recover these costs when they are ready to sell.
Number of Bedrooms and Bathrooms
Look for a home that has at least three bedrooms and at least two bathrooms. Although the average family size is generally decreasing, many home buyers are looking for larger homes. Most people want more bedrooms than there are occupants in the home. The extra rooms are used as guest bedrooms, offices, craft rooms, exercise rooms, etc.
Home buyers also want more bathrooms than they have in the past. Some buyers will not even consider a home that only has one bathroom. Not only do buyers want more than one bathroom, they also want larger bathrooms.
Size and Shape Matter
The size and shape of the home and lot matter. It is best to avoid the smallest and the largest homes in a neighborhood. The two extremes do not appreciate in value as quickly as standard-sized homes and lots in the same neighborhood do.
Generally, square or rectangular shaped lots sell faster than odd shaped lots or lots that are only slightly bigger than the footprint of the home sitting on it. Most people want yards that are big enough to do something in such as have a pool or play area.
Look for a more traditional home on a larger, square lot. Although extremes may catch your eye, generally more standard homes and lots sell more quickly.
Location
The location of the property is critical. Find out which areas in a community have homes that sell the fastest. People generally want homes near employment, shopping, and entertainment. A home within walking distance to a beach and shopping may be more appealing, and sell more quickly, than a home with a beautiful view on a hill that is not within walking distance to services or amenities.
Homes in residential areas tend to sell more quickly than homes close to commercial areas. So if land has not been developed around the home you are considering, look into the zoning for the land to ensure that the home and surrounding area will continue to look the way it does when you buy it.
