When finding a new home, your top priority is to discover an affordable and enjoyable place to live. However, it’s also essential to consider the future investment potential of your prospective property.
Being aware of underlying problems that could impact your equity is crucial. Whether you plan to stay in your current community or anticipate future opportunities elsewhere, the ease of reselling your home will play a significant role in your next move. To safeguard your equity, it’s wise to be a discerning and objective buyer, carefully assessing the following ten factors:
- Location, Location, Location: Is the house situated on a busy street? Consider the potential impact of traffic noise and congestion on your quality of life.
- Steer Clear of Obstacles: Take note of any nearby obstacles or negative influences, such as apartment buildings, noisy environments, busy streets, Skytrain stations, shopping centers, radio towers, or airports. These elements can affect your peace and comfort.
- Future Development Plans: Are there any future plans for the neighborhood that you may be unaware of? Keep an eye out for upcoming projects like highways, commercial developments, or new housing developments. These additions could increase competition when it comes time to resell your home.
- Reputation Matters: Investigate whether the neighborhood has a poor reputation for any reason. A negative perception can impact the value and desirability of your property.
- Corner Lot Considerations: If the house is situated on a corner lot, assess whether it compromises the usable backyard, side yard, or exposes you to excessive traffic noise.
- Water Woes: Look out for signs of water seepage or damage within the house. These issues can lead to costly repairs and potential long-term damage.
- Neighborhood Comparison: Evaluate whether the house stands out significantly, either in a superior or inferior way, compared to other houses in the neighborhood. This discrepancy can affect its resale value.
- Builder’s Reputation: Research the reputation of the builder responsible for constructing the house. A poor reputation may indicate potential construction or quality issues.
- Functional Floor Plans: Assess the layout of the house to determine if it presents any functional problems that could impact your daily life and future resale value.
- Renovation Considerations: Consider whether you’ll need to renovate or add onto the house extensively, to the point where your costs exceed the market value significantly. Overinvesting in renovations can diminish your potential returns.
By carefully considering these ten factors, you’ll make informed decisions that protect your equity and set you on the path to a successful and rewarding homeownership experience.
