A few years back,
"the Starbucks effect" became a legitimate term to explain the higher
real estate values associated with living close to the coffee house. But being
within easy striking distance of a Grande Skinny Vanilla Latte isn't the only
thing that can help boost your home value. Then again, not every location can
help build equity. Chose wrong, and you could see your value drop - even if the
house is great.
1. Being close to schools
The good: Families seek out neighborhoods with good schools for
obvious reasons. Living close to a quality elementary school is especially
desirable for parents who envision walking with their young children in the
morning.
From a value
standpoint, a location close to well-performing schools can be a smart decision
for buyers regardless of their family status. "Living near a high-scoring
school can increase your home's value by over $200,000," said AOL.
The not so good: But, being too close to a school - no matter how
good it might be - may be a deterrent for some buyers, which could end up
hurting your bottom line. If you're in the path of the school pickup and
drop-off, which creates considerable traffic, or directly across the street
from a playground, which means there is noise throughout the day, you could
have trouble when it comes time to sell. A location that is close enough to be
easily accessible but out of range of the daily inconveniences is often the
best option.
2. Being close to area conveniences
The good: "The Starbucks effect" is tangible: Data has
shown that, "Between 1997 and 2013, homes closer to the coffee shop
increased in value by 96%, compared to 65% for all U.S. homes," said CNN
Money.
Now Starbucks has
company, with a new report that shows that proximity to a high-end grocery
store - namely Trader Joe's or Whole Foods - can also raise home values
considerably.
"Between 1997 and
2014, homes near the two grocery chains were consistently worth more than the
median U.S. home," said CNN Money. "By the end of 2014, homes within
a mile of either store were worth more than twice as much as the median home in
the rest of the country. The analysis found that 2 years after a new Trader
Joe's opened, home values within one mile went up by 10 percentage points more
than homes in the rest of the city.
The not so good: But, that doesn't mean all area amenities boost
home value. Adult entertainment spots, industrial businesses, a nearby airport
that puts the home in the path of flights, and small businesses like tattoo
parlors, check cashing, cash advance, or pawn shops that can be indicators of a
lower-income or high-crime area can drive people away.
3. Being convenient to freeways
The good: A location close to major thoroughfares can be a selling
point since it helps homeowners cut down on the dreaded daily commute. Many
suburbs require an additional 10 to 20 minutes in the car after exiting the
highway. Promoting the convenience of a home closer in can help it stand apart.
The not so good: Having a car fly off the freeway onto your roof is
not ideal. Neither is having to endure the daily noise, congestion, and
pollution of living right next to the freeway. If it bothers you, it's going to
bother buyers when you sell. Being close - but not TOO close - is key.
4. Quiet location
The good: A home that's in a peaceful area surrounded by nature may
be a benefit to buyers seeking a serene setting. A house that backs up to
nature or is close to hiking trails can sell for more than a house in the same
neighborhood that's only surrounded by other houses.
The not so good: There is such a thing as too quiet...
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