We all have our ideas of the ideal qualities that would be included in our dream homes. Views of the golf course, expansive backyards, custom fixtures—the list can go on and on. But one thing to keep in mind when shopping for a home—and when owning a home—is that certain amenities that appeal to you (and most people for that matter) are features that may make your home harder to sell. Here are a few that may surprise you!
- A pool. Believe it or not, a pool may not add value to your home. Pool maintenance is costly and is something that many people don’t want to deal with. There can also be safety concerns surrounding pools for families with small children. In addition, depending on where you are, the weather may only allow for a pool’s use a slim portion of the year (not exactly the case here in the South).
- A school next door. If you have kids, living within walking distance of a school can be extremely convenient. However, it also comes with its downsides. Being too close means fighting school traffic in the morning and afternoons. It can also mean noise from sporting events and other school activities.
- Living “in the middle of it all.” Many people seek the opportunity to be able to walk to restaurants and shops from their homes, but ultimately, this quality may deter future buyers who are not all about residing within the hustle and bustle of urban life. Just keep in mind that it will require a particular type of buyer when it comes time to sell.
- Grand staircases can be a welcomed focal point to any home, but stairs are a deal breaker for some buyers. Namely, elderly buyers, or even younger people who plan to grow old in the home may see stairs as a deterrent, as stairs will be more difficult to navigate with age.
- Extensive renovations. If you opt for high-end renovations that appeal to your particular taste (but not to the tastes of many others), these are features that may make your home harder to sell in the long run. In addition, you may not recoup the costs, and you risk pricing yourself out of the market that your home is located in. In other words, your home could become too high end compared to others in the neighborhood.
- Tile flooring. Tile can certainly be an attractive flooring option, but it is among the most difficult flooring types to remove. Unless your potential buyers are also in love with tile, your tiled floor may isolate them to the point of looking elsewhere.
- A large yard. Though you may envision children playing, dogs running and gardens growing in a big yard, similar to having a pool, a large yard requires extensive upkeep, which some people do not want to have to be responsible for. Others may physically be unable to care for a spacious plot of land due to health reasons.
Be aware of these features that may make your home harder to sell when shopping for a home that you plan to move out of eventually. This is not to say that you should not buy a home with some or all of these qualities if they embody what you want, but be prepared for the fact that it could take longer to sell your home as a result. On the other hand, maybe you will find a buyer that appreciates them the same way you did!
For more home buying and selling advice, continue to follow the Ryan Roberts Realtor blog! And for your real estate needs in Auburn, Opelika and Lake Martin, call Ryan today at 334-750-9872, or email [email protected].