Key insights
- Inventory is low, but plenty of buyers are finding it difficult to choose between two homes currently listed for sale.
- When choosing between two homes you love, it’s important to consider your lifestyle and how each home matches in terms of location and style.
- If you truly can’t choose between the two homes, try writing out and ranking each property’s pros and cons.
Today’s market is infamous for low inventory and you may be worried about finding one home that suits all your needs. But some of today’s buyers are having just the opposite problem: they are having a difficult time choosing between two local homes for sale.
Here are insights you can use as you choose between multiple properties for sale in Minnesota and western Wisconsin.
Measure the perks of each location
The saying, "Location, location, location" is a cliché for a reason. While you can change many things about a home, you cannot alter its proximity to your work, schools, grocery stores, workout facilities and other locations you’ll visit often.
Few things can add or reduce stress more than the length of your daily commute, so consider the total time you’ll spend driving, walking or biking to your usual destinations from each home.
Focus on style and permanence
As HGTV has taught us, there are many things you can change about a home, but some elements will remain the same no matter how much money or effort you put in. As you look at both homes, evaluate the amount of work each will need — and how much that will change the overall feel once the renovations are complete.
For example, you may love “the bones” and original style of one home that needs a brand-new kitchen. Meanwhile, your alternative option is a fully-updated home that doesn’t match your vibe. While a kitchen remodel will be expensive and time-consuming, you could end up with your dream house after only a few months rather than settling for a home that doesn’t feel “quite right” even after years of smaller tweaks.
Know yourself
Buying a fixer-upper has never been more en vogue, but there’s no shame in wanting a turnkey house where you can settle in easily.
If you aren’t a do-it-yourself enthusiast, don’t be afraid to choose the higher-priced, move-in ready home that matches all your criteria.
Look ahead to the resale value
Even though you likely won't be selling your home for many years, you can also consider the two properties' potential resale values.
Talk with your Realtor about each home’s potential long-term value, and be sure to ask which neighborhood is likely to grow in popularity and price over the coming years.
Write up the pros and cons
Still unsure? When in doubt, begin making a pros and cons list of each house. Then, rank each item in order of importance. After all, a shorter commute is likely worth more to you than a bathroom with an original claw foot tub.
Tally up the totals and see if one is clearly on top of the other. Remember that instinct counts double! If you have a good gut feeling about one house, don’t be afraid to add that to the list of “pros” as you evaluate.
Need help with your homebuying journey?
If you’re in the early stages of buying, it can help to set expectations with an educated neighborhood specialist. Reach out to our customer care team to be matched with a REALTOR® who can get you started on the path to buying the perfect home.
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