Buyers moving here from another state often ask for my advice in choosing a home that is going to appreciate well over the years. I always respond that, while no one has a crystal ball, it is indeed possible to choose a home with an eye on its potential for resale. Over a period of several years, the homes that have remained in high demand will have the best appreciation. Those homes that have not had high demand will appreciate a lot less.
To position yourself for the greatest appreciation and resale potential in my market area, Fayette and Coweta Counties, I can point to quite a few things to look for in a home:
- a desirable, high demand location, close to schools, shopping, amenities
- located in an attractive subdivision
- surrounded by attractive neighbor's homes
- the newer the home, the better
- a home with good "curb appeal"
- an "open" floor plan
- a 4th bedroom, if over $200,000
- a basement, if over $250,000
- a low maintenance exterior
- a "child friendly" back yard
- construction of brick, stucco, vinyl or concrete siding
- good overall condition
I can also list several things to avoid, as they are either unpopular or represent possible problems:
- synthetic stucco or a poor grade of pressboard siding
- a split level design
- a "boxy" floor plan
- a "drive under" garage
- a severely sloped driveway or back yard
- above ground utilities
- homes on a county road or a state highway
- homes with highway noise
- homes next to power line towers
- homes with an unpopular school assignment
If you want good advice from a Realtor, you must enter into a representation agreement and obtain "client status." Otherwise, you will be treated as a "Customer." I would be pleased to have you as a client in the purchase of your next home. Please call me whenever I may be of assistance on any real estate matter.
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