From budget to knowing its true condition , knowing a home ’s improvement history could square up if it ’s correct for you .
Does emplacement still matter most ? Should you remodel your home to suit your tastes , or for resale economic value ? Are starter homes still a matter ? We all have plenty of questions about the ever - changing world of real estate . In ourAsk an Agentseries , we ’re partner with expert atBetter Homes & Gardens Real Estateto answer your swelled questions about finding , buying , and selling a plate .
To a non - home expert , a good home could be about the utter position , a layout that works for them , or conveniences that will improve their timbre of sprightliness . However , they ’re not always aware of the hundred of other factors that make a great , liveable abode . look can be deceiving at home viewings — for model , thatbathtub in the primary winding bathroomthat sealed the deal for you might havebroken plumbingand rusting drains . Learning about the house ’s improvement history can help you understand the work that ’s take before moving in and how tobudget accordingly .
Credit:John O’Reilly
John O’Reilly
For this installment ofAsk an Agent , we spoke with John O’Reilly of theBetter Homes & Gardens Real Estate Base Campabout the grandness of eff a house ’s improvement history before you buy it .
John O’Reillyis a veridical demesne agent ground in Richmond , Virginia . He sells all kinds of menage , from undivided - family social unit to condos to empty properties ; O’Reilly has 26 twelvemonth of real estate experience .
Ask an Agent: How Important Is a Home’s Improvement History While Making a Purchase Decision?
Some of that ’s on the homebuyers , but that ’s also what separates a well realtor from a swell realtor . We should be able to go into a home and search at things likewater heaters and HVAC systems , draw some data off of them , and see when they ’ve been replaced . We can then enlighten the buyers because a lot of them are just bet at the layout . We also need tolook at the understructure . We ’re not experts , but we need to signal that out because some vendee are just looking at the flow of the household .
We desire to guide out improvements or challenge that might be useable to them . For model , you’re able to tell a roof is 30 class old bythe wear and tear on the shingles . You might need to mention that to the buyer because they ’ll have tobudget for those improvementsover prison term . We can see if they redid the kitchen and bathrooms and how much value that adds .
But it ’s always important for homeowners to stay up - to - appointment with family improvement . Whether it is replacementsor redesigns , you want to ensure that the house you ’ve experience in for 12 years does not have a rug , paint , or curtains that are 12 twelvemonth sometime .
This interview has been edited for distance and clarity .
