Since Delaware is on the DELMARVA peninsula, the ground water level is fairly shallow at certain times of the year.  Given that waterproofing basements is a somewhat costly undertaking the trend (for medium priced homes at least) has been to prioritize the living space, kitchen and bathroom features/fixtures, garage, lawn amenities, etc. 

Over the last 2 years, with the increasingly soft housing market, homes with (dry) basements are again becoming popular.  As it turns out the basement frequently yields additional living space at a cost generally much less than other forms of home additions.  It does present its own problems where bedrooms are considered and the proper building egress windows aren't present.  This, like other problems, can be rather easily dealt with in a number of ways.

Buyers in need of additional rooms, space, etc. frequently look for homes with unfinished basements, where they can decide on appointments and finishing materials in the future, and of course save some money in the process.  So sellers with basements have another incentive to help set their home apart from competitive properties. 

Buyers ask your agent to explain how buying a home with a basement might be a wise investment when considering comparable homes where one has a basement and the other one doesn't.

One word of caution: consider a Radon test as part of the home inspection to ensure no long term health concerns, but do remember that even if the Radon levels are above the EPA limits it is readily remedied at fairly low cost (usually less than $1,000).

Don

 
Posted by Don Bullis on 08/18/2008 01:09 PM   Comments (0)  
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Don Bullis

Dover, DE

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Harrington/ERA Realty

Address: 516 Jefferic Blvd, Dover, DE, 19901

Office Phone: (800) 643-7752

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