The concept of a starter home is an American tradition that has existed for decades. Buying a starter home makes it possible to achieve homeownership, financial independence, and to build equity and credit while you transition to a larger home.
However, your first home doesn’t need to be a tiny, one-bedroom house with none of the amenities that you want.
In today’s post, we’re going to look at some of the things that are desirable in a first home or starter home, so that you can make the best financial decision now that will help you save more in the long run.
Perhaps the most important thing to think about when buying your first home is the day that you eventually decide to sell it and upgrade. There’s a lot that goes into the purchase value of a home. But, if you maintain the home or even make some upgrades, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to sell it for more than you paid.
Other factors that affect resale value are the location and real estate market trends. While you may not be able to change the economy, you can choose to buy a home that is in a location others will find desirable in the coming years.
The cost of your first home will be determined by its location, as mentioned before, but another huge factor will be the size or square-footage of the home and yard.
If you don’t plan on having children in the next few years and don’t currently have kids at home, having several bedrooms and a large backyard probably aren’t huge priorities. This means you’ll be able to save by buying a small home on a small property.
Similarly, if it’s just you and a significant other living in the home, you may be comfortable with just one bathroom for the next few years. These omissions can save you a ton of money on your first starter home.
Typically, when people buy their first home they are just getting settled into their career and may still change jobs a few times. Most workers in today’s economy change jobs between 10 and 15 times throughout their career and do so more often toward the beginning.
This means it will make sense for you to buy your first home within commuting distances to companies in your industry.
Homes that are in need of repairs or renovations can be a great way to save money and see a return on your investment when you decide to sell. Of course, there are limits to how many repairs are reasonable while still getting your money’s worth from a home.
You’ll know from your home inspection or by doing a walk-through with professional contractors how much work is required to bring the home up to standards. Use those resources to ensure that you’re making a sound financial decision for your first home.
Fireplaces are often seen as a necessity for homebuyers. It adds charm and decorative as well as physical warmth to a home. More than half of new homes have a fireplace. If your home doesn’t have a fireplace, you may wonder if installing and maintaining a fireplace is worth it. Will it add value to your home? There are a few things you need to consider before you decide to take on this project.
Keep in mind that fireplaces are not directly accounted for during a home appraisal. Yet, they add value to a home. Home buyers will pay more for homes that have fireplaces. Depending on the location of your home, a fireplace can increase the value of the property by a significant amount- up to thousands of dollars.
The location of a home really has a direct effect on how much value it adds it a home. When added to other amenities in your home, a fireplace can compound to make the home appear more luxurious. A fireplace is a must in a higher end home.
On the flip side, more modest homes may not need fireplaces. If a home needs many other improvements, a fireplace may not add much to the property. The amount of value a fireplace adds is very much dependent on the type of property it’s being added to.
It’s possible to add a fireplace to just about any home. The cost will vary by a large amount ranging anywhere from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. Specific requirements may exist within your city dictating how fireplaces must be installed. Keep in mind that everything from the type of fireplace that’s being installed to the height of the chimney must be considered. Look into things like:
Each requirement will add a bit more cost to the project, so it’s best to do some research beforehand.
If you decide that adding a fireplace is the right decision for your property, there are a few ways to get the maximum return on your investment. First, you should build the fireplace in the room of your home that’s most used. This space would most likely be the living room or family room in most cases. Keep in mind that adding a fireplace can drastically change the look of a room.
Whether you’re adding a fireplace or putting in an initial one, you can be sure that it will add value to your home in the form of attraction and home price.
It generally is a good idea to bring your A-game to the home selling journey. Because if you fail to put your best foot forward, it may take many weeks or months to stir up interest in your residence.
Ultimately, there are lots of things that you can do to generate interest in your home, such as:
1. Bolster Your Home's Curb Appeal
Your home only gets one chance to make a positive first impression on buyers. If your residence boasts exceptional curb appeal, your house is sure to make a great first impression.
Typically, upgrading a house's curb appeal can be quick and simple. Performing lawn care tasks like trimming the hedges and removing debris from walkways is ideal. Also, you may want to fix any cracked or damaged home siding.
If you need help with home exterior enhancements, you can always reach out to local professionals for assistance as well. By hiring home improvement specialists, you can bolster your residence's curb appeal without delay.
2. Set an Aggressive Initial Asking Price
The initial asking price you set for your home can have far-flung effects on the house selling journey. If you establish an aggressive initial asking price for your house, you could accelerate the home selling cycle.
To determine the best price for your home, it may be beneficial to conduct an appraisal. Thanks to an appraisal, you can receive a property valuation that you can use to help you decide how to price your house.
In addition, you may want to perform an inspection before you list your residence. After an inspection, you'll receive a report that details any underlying problems with your house. You then can use this report to prioritize home repairs and complete property upgrades so you can get the best price for your residence.
3. Work with a Real Estate Agent
A real estate agent knows what it takes to sell a home as quickly as possible. At the same time, a real estate agent understands how to help a seller maximize his or her house sale earnings. Thus, a real estate agent can provide insights and recommendations that allow you to achieve your desired home selling results.
With support from a real estate agent, you can receive expert guidance as you navigate the home selling journey. A real estate agent will work with you throughout this journey and ensure you can get the help you need to succeed. Plus, a real estate agent will respond to any of your home selling questions and teach you everything you need to know about selling a residence.
When it comes to selling a home, it is important to work hard to accomplish your goals. If you take advantage of the aforementioned tips, you can bring your A-game to the home selling journey. As a result, you can boost the likelihood of enjoying a memorable house selling experience.
