Michael Roberts' Blog -San Jose Homes, Real Estate and Houses for Sale

Buying a Home with Resale Value – Part One

Without doubt, the best time to think of selling your San Jose area house is before you buy it.  In fact, there’s a saying in professional real estate circles that, “You make your money when you buy.”  Unlike prior generations, today’s home owners will typically sell their house within five to seven years.  That may seem like a long time in your own personal life, but it is just minutes in the world of  San Jose homes for sale.

Wouldn’t it be nice to go into your purchase with a plan in mind?  Here are a few tips on how to choose a San Jose house for resale value, while also finding a home that you absolutely love.

• Purchase Price. Perhaps the biggest lesson learned from the housing crisis is to not overpay for a house.  This can be tough when you absolutely fall head over heels for a home.  But paying a fair price today means you’ll be able to accept a fair price tomorrow.  So check your emotions at the door, and proceed with your head.  It’s worth taking time to research pricing trends in San Jose area neighborhoods before committing to a purchase you may regret when it’s time to sell.  We have the resources, years of market insight, community knowledge and negotiation skills to ensure all our buyers pay only what they need to for  any San Jose home for sale.

• Location, location, location! Location can either be your best friend or your worst enemy when buying a home, and in essence, can make or break a home’s resale value.  San Jose area communities provide the life force for home price.  High ranking school districts, recreation facilities, and shopping are just a few amenities that you can bet will capture the eye of future home buyers.  Researching future development and zoning regulations will also help ensure your new home will be an asset when it comes time to sell.

Noting the details of the location is important too.  Does the lot back onto a busy street?  How about a shopping center or hospital?  Traffic noise, parking lot lighting and trash receptacles bordering your backyard will definitely have an impact on resale.  Noting the condition of neighboring houses will also play a key role in determining resale value.  Most neighborhoods will have similar lot sizes, with smaller and larger lots to fill in awkward spaces such as cul-de-sacs and road curves.  And while larger lots are usually more desirable, you may end up paying a premium that you won’t recoup when it’s time to sell your San Jose home or real estate investment property.

• Repairs, Remodeling, and Fixer-uppers. When deciding on a San Jose home for sale, know the difference between acceptable and unacceptable repairs and upgrades.  Cosmetic changes such as ugly wallpaper, paint, and door hardware are easy fixes and worth the time and money.  Foundation cracks, water damage, and roof damage are not as kind to resale value.  These are repairs that are necessary to maintain the current value of your home and, unless the home is priced below market, won’t add a penny to resale value when it’s time to sell.

And most importantly, you’re not alone in purchasing a home!

Our Buyers have the peace of mind to focus on finding the perfect San Jose home while we look with a critical eye at every home’s potential resale value.

Continue: read part 2 for buying a San Jose house for sale