Whether you are buying your first home or are upgrading, consider buying a larger home. Even if you are just planning on starting a family, a larger home allows you to grow into it. And, you don’t have to put up with the pesky chore of moving when it’s time to go bigger. If you are upgrading, you should still go bigger than what you think you need because you’ll eventually run out of space. As long as you can afford it, going bigger has more benefits than downfalls.
Instead of trying to sell a home and buy a larger home when your family starts growing, you’ll already have the larger home. If you plan on two kids but often have relatives or friends visit overnight, you’re better off with the extra bedrooms: one for each child, the master suite and at least one guest bedroom. When you have more than one guest bedroom, you’ll be able to make one into an office or a library if you decide to work for yourself later in life or if you decide you just want a quiet place to escape to once in a while.
A home with at least one extra bedroom and bathroom commands more money on the market when you decide to sell it. Instead of a three-bedroom, two-bath house, you might consider a five-bedroom home with at least three bathrooms. You’ll get more for a sale than you would for a three-two. While you might pay more for the house, depending on how the market is when you sell, you could see quite a bit more appreciation than in a smaller house.
Generally, larger homes also have larger living spaces in addition to the extra rooms. You’ll have a more spacious kitchen and a larger living room that won’t feel as crowded when you entertain. You might find a new hobby later in life and will have the extra space to accommodate that hobby. And, because you have more space, your home will look less cluttered because you won’t have to “find” room to store your stuff.
Finally, you can get the furniture you want, instead of settling for something just because it fits in your living room. If you’ve always wanted that big-screen TV or even a room with movie theater seating, you can have that when you go bigger.
Look at your debt-to-income ratio as that determines what you are able to afford. If you can go bigger, the benefits outweigh the larger utility bills and the amount of extra time it takes to clean. And, look for a house that is on some acreage so that you can create a large outdoor living area and won’t be on top of your neighbors.
I am a real estate broker, property manager, and investor, located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. To each client, I bring close to a decade of experience in real estate, first as a real estate investor, then manager, and now love to share my experience and knowledge with property buyers and sellers as a real estate broker. Since attending the University of Michigan in 2005, I have lived in Ann Arbor ever since. My exceptional knowledge of the market as an investor and property manager provides a unique perspective and competitive advantage to my clients for selling and buying both residential and investment properties.
I have successfully managed investment properties in Ypsilanti and Kalamazoo and have conducted real estate transactions throughout southeast Michigan. Whether clients are looking for their first home, vacation homes, or the home of their dreams, I will be able to stay on top of the process, remove obstacles and make the real estate deals as pleasurable as possible. I enjoy working with people and finding ways to share a laugh or two in the process. I take pride in being available to my clients and being responsive to their needs.
In addition to my residential property expertise, and my multicultural background, I am capable of working with international investors and home buyers to make their international property purchases smoother and trouble-free. If you are interested in the acquisition of investment homes for your children while they attend the University of Michigan, as a property manager, investor, and broker, I will be able to help you make that reality come true.
I graduated from the University of Michigan and own and operate several businesses in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. In addition to my real estate experience, I am also a technology enthusiast and am always on the hunt to use technology and media to enhance the buying and selling experience.
If you are looking to make your first home purchase, or are trying to sell your home, give me a call and I can guide you through the services that I can offer you to help you start along the journey. I take great pride in my work and it would be an honor for me to represent you and your needs.
Yours truly, Vincent Zhang