Looking for the best return on investment on the home your buying? Consider these factors.
1. SMALL SIZE - Over the last five years, homes under 1,200 sq ft - favorites of retiring boomers and first-time buyers - have appreciated by an average of 7.5% per ear, while homes 2,400 sq. ft. or larger have risen just 3.8% per year.
2. OPEN FLOOR PLAN - Having an open floor plan led to an average 7.4% appreciation per year. Less desirable? Granite countertops (2.5% annual appreciation) and stainless steel appliances (3% annual appreciation).
3. FEWER BEDROOMS - The more bedrooms a home had the less it appreciated since 2012. Homes with one bedroom increased by 7.2% per year; those with two bedrooms (6.6%); three (6.3%), and four bedrooms (4.95)
4. HOMES WITH A VIEW - Homes overlooking a park increased 7.9% annually. Those with mountain views 5.1% and those with lake views 4.9%.
5. MODERN/CONTEMPORARY STYLE - Newer trumps older in architectural style, with modern/contemporary rising in value by 7.7% per year, followed by bungalows (6.5%), traditional (5.6%), ranch (4.5%), Craftsman (3.7%) and Victorian (2.25).
6. THE RIGHT AMENITIES - Homes with patios increased in value by 6.8% annually, while those with hardwood floors grew 5.7% and those with fireplaces 5.3%.
7. TWO-CAR GARAGES - Homes with space for two cars appreciated by 6.4% annually, vs. those with one-car garages (6%) and those with three-car garages (just 3.8%)
8. LOCATION - Homes in urban areas near mass transportation grew 8.4% in value per year. Those near good schools increased by 7.2%, and those near shopping by 6.5%.