Old Homes: Seven Reasons Why People Buy An Old House

For some buyers, an old home is a dream purchase of the lifetime. It has been there for decades and has gone through different climate changes and calamities which further authenticate its unique quality and true appeal.

Why Buy An Old House

Find out what attracts people to buy such houses. Let this guide you through when making a homebuying decision regarding old homes.

1.       Location. Location has always been a prime factor in homebuying. And there are instances when most of the sought-after locations no longer allow new constructions around the area. Your only choice is to build one a few kilometers away, which is a bit far from the local shops, schools, coffeehouses, stores and other amenities and conveniences.

2.       Size. More often than not, these residential types come with bigger land areas and square footages. This translates to larger yards which then give you an opportunity to own wider and luxurious space for garage or outdoor shed. Likewise, there are several rooms too instead of the usual two to three-bedroom units found on the usual Philippine real estate modern houses.

3.       Cost. Generally speaking, it will cost you less to purchase older properties compared to a brand new house and lot in Nuvali of the same size, for example. Prices are easier to negotiate too.

4.       Appearance and features. It’s all about character and personality and older homes certainly have them. They look better with their interiors and exteriors, with features ranging from built-in fireplace, beautiful garden, mature landscapes with age-old trees, impeccable craftsmanship and architectural elements like arches and special window treatments which are already considered as “upgrades” in modern properties. They exude charm and mystery with its historic background and the generation of families that lived in it.

5.       Neighborhood. Another benefit is its established neighborhood. Many neighbors know each other already hence the community is much stronger compared to the ones in newer settings.

6.       Availability. Unless there are immediate renovation and remodeling that need to be done, you can easily move in anytime you want. You need not wait for weeks, months or years just to reside on your desired home.

7.       Profitability. For those who are looking for long-term investments, you can quickly turn this project into something profitable. After fixing the necessities and highlighting its unique attributes, you can consequently boost its value should you want to do a resale in the future.

Condo Care Tips: Four Tips To Increase The Value Of Your Condo

More and more people are opting for a condominium lifestyle. After all, the perks are very attractive – it is normally located in prime spots; there is no yard work required or extra worries to think about on repairs and maintenance; the environment is safe and secure plus there are so many recreational options to choose from. It is not surprising to see then that almost all major cities in the country have a lot of condominium alternatives to offer to both locals and foreigners.

How To Increase The Value Of Your Condo

Regardless if you’re planning to put your affordable condominium for sale up in the market, rent it out to a certain target type or simply to reside on it with your family, home improvement is a necessary procedure to retain the value of your home.

Below are some tips to show you how to increase its worth.

1.       Communicate with the condo association first. This is one of the initial steps to think about before improving your residence. Check with them first so you’ll know what kind of upgrades are allowed, what items need permit and what are totally not permissible. While some condominiums in Manila allow all types of painting and repainting of the interiors, there are those who implement certain restrictions to its residents and set specific limitations on the type of updates that can be done inside the unit. Get a copy of their rules and regulations. If the hallway leading to your place is in need of work, identify their SOPs (Standard Operating Procedure) so as they can take action to improve its appearance.

2.       Clean and de-clutter. Who wants a messy and smelly home anyway? Hence, clear away the clutter. Make sure that every corner is neat and clean – from ceiling and walls to countertops, carpets and flooring. Maintain a fresh smelling atmosphere and get rid of undesirable odors.

3.       Update, upgrade and style. Wear and tear is unavoidable on any residential type. Hence, a great way to maintain its value is through painting, proper lighting and upgrades.

·        If you’ll have to repaint, always opt for neutral colors. Paint the window frames and doors, walls, cabinetry and drawer pulls.

·        Update lighting fixtures.

·        Replace old sinks and faucets as well as outdated appliances.

·        Enhance the mirrors with new frames.

·        Hang fresh towels in the bathroom.

·        Change worn and dirty doormats.

4.       Work on those spaces. Increase cabinet and closet spaces to show off storage. Add shelving, drawers and pull-outs to maximize space.