If you’re investing in a resale property or know you may be moving in the next few years, consider including these factors in your home buying checklist. While you might easily live with or overlook some features of your home or neighborhood, being mindful of your future buyer now can help you save time and energy when you're making the move to sell.
Find a home with appealing views. When prospective buyers visit your home in the future having a beautiful view out the window can make or break a sale. Look for a house with a well-maintained yard that you can easily continue to manage. Check for appealing privacy fencing that will still be in good condition for several more years. Explore the whole home and note the view from all windows.
Views to avoid
- Power lines and water towers—Power lines are an eye-sore that can affect your ability to make a quick sale. For the same reason, try to avoid purchasing a house with a water tower in view. Depending on your city this can be a tricky box to check.
- Railroad tracks—Freight trains are an obnoxious neighbor. Explore the area around the home you’re considering. Is it close to a railroad track? Is the track active with trains running throughout the day? Can you see any tracks from the house? If you can't buy far enough away from the railroad, try to avoid living within sight of the tracks.
- Busy retail areas—Finding a home near an active area is an excellent idea but purchasing a house directly across the street or that backs up to a road with lots of shops, restaurants, and bars can hinder your sale. Find the balance between an appealing area and the extra noise that might come from a trendy neighborhood.
Visit the house more than once and at different times of day, especially if in a metropolitan area, so you can monitor street noise, foot traffic, and natural light. Pay attention to your potential neighbors. Are their homes well kept? Do they have any loud animals or ongoing equipment usage? What will the neighborhood as a whole look like to your future buyer?
If you already bought your home and weren't able to check off all the perfect view boxes on your list, there are some steps you can take to help with your future sale.
- Simple landscaping—plant trees or bushes to block an unfortunate view. Consider adding flower boxes under windows to attract the eye.
- Moderate sounds—invest in well-insulated windows or add insulation to walls to help overcome any negative street noise.
Talk to your real estate professional about all of your resale needs and get the best advice for purchasing and reselling in your local market.
