FAQs Answered
The Value of Your Home
In a neighborhood of similar homes, why is one worth more than another? That’s the question that’s teased buyers and sellers for ages, but the answer is simple.
Every home is different
When a home is sold, a willing seller and a willing buyer determine the value of that home with the sale price. That price then becomes a benchmark for other similar homes, but other factors come into play. The most important are:
Location
The closer a home is to jobs, parks, transportation, schools, and community services, the more desirable it is.
Size
Square footage impacts home value because a larger home is built using more materials, and gives the homeowner more usable space. And a larger lot size could mean more privacy than a smaller one.
Number of bedrooms and baths
Additional bedrooms and bathrooms raise the value of a home compared to similar homes that do not have those rooms.
Features and finishes
Features such as outdoor kitchens and spa baths make a home more luxurious. A home finished with hardwood floors and granite countertops is going to cost more than a home with carpet and laminate countertops.
Condition
The closer a home is to new construction, the more it will retain its value. It’s perceived as more modern, up to date, and perhaps safer. Homes that are not updated or in poor repair sell for less as purchasers’ factor in the cost of updating and eventually replacing appliances and systems.
Curb appeal
From the street, the home looks clean, fresh, and inviting. Fresh landscaping and flowers won’t change the size or location, but they certainly add charm.
When two homes are identical in the same neighborhood, a higher price may come down to something as simple as views, paint colors, or the overall taste of the homeowner.
