4 Features That Will be Hard to Find in Your Next Home

Blog posted On April 23, 2020

When you’re searching for a new home, you’ll usually have a list of your “must-haves” and your “nice-to-haves” to help narrow your search.  Your home search may involve some compromises, especially if you are searching in a busy market.  Real estate contributor, Steven Gottlieb, identified these four features you should think twice about adding to your “must-have” list if you are currently searching for a home. 

Open Kitchen

Many recently constructed homes feature open kitchens. However, new home sales typically only make up about 10% of real estate transactions.  Open kitchens may seem like a desirable feature, especially if you have young children or frequently entertain.  Unless you keep your kitchen spotlessly clean, your open kitchen may quickly become a mess you don’t want to look at.  Also, anything you’re cooking you’re sharing with the entire house, whether they want to smell it or not.  Although new home builders have had a tendency to build open kitchens in the past, many are shifting back toward more traditional and practical closed kitchens. 

Large Bedrooms

Large bedrooms are aesthetically appealing, but not always realistic.  In denser, more urban markets, many homes do not have space to accommodate large bedrooms.  Before you get your heart set on a large bedroom, consider how much time you actually spend in your bedroom.  Choosing a home with large bedrooms may sacrifice square footage elsewhere, leaving you with a smaller living room, for example. 

Fireplace

Traditional, northern homes with a wood-burning fireplace seem like a postcard perfect feature.  Again, you need to consider how often you’re going to use it.  If you’re moving to a colder climate with long winters, a wood-burning fireplace could be a great addition to your home. Still, consider the functionality.  A wood-burning fireplace may look great, but an eco-friendly alternative could heat your home better.

Community Amenities

Planned communities or urban communities often include amenities to attract residents.  The amenities offered through your new neighborhood will come with a cost.  The more amenities available, the higher the homeowner’s association fees will likely be.  Community amenities are nice to have, but fixating on the community with the most amenities may come with a cost.

The most important thing to remember when buying a new home, is the only thing you can’t change is the location.  If you think you need a larger bedroom or could work with an open kitchen, but can’t find a home that has all those features, you may be able to remodel later.  Be open and flexible and you could soon be living in the home of your dreams.

Sources: US News and World Report