Home buyers today are smarter buyers and are looking at the “total package” that a specific home offers them. While the neighborhood, schools and floor plan are still at the top of the list, there are other considerations to keep in mind as well.
- Property taxes: There can be quite a difference to the property taxes charged depending on the school district and taxing district where the home is located. Overlay this information with any local income tax that may or may not apply. You may find that a slightly higher property tax rate may allow you to pay less in local income tax depending on where your income is earned. Consult with your accountant if you think this may apply to you, then use that info to decide if a property’s location matters to the local taxes you will pay or save.
Heating/cooling/windows: Naturally the quality of the windows can have a tremendous impact on heating/cooling costs. The efficiency and age of the furnace and AC units can also affect costs and your comfort. When homes are a certain size, they may have zoned systems for better efficiency. There may be 2-3 HVAC units which may be better long-term than having one system work extra hard. You can also have each system set for different temps, depending on the floor plan and your comfort needs. Consult with an HVAC company for advice if the home is around or over 4000 sq ft.
Home Office: Questions for an accountant, for sure. Would you derive a tax benefit to operating a home office? If so, you might want to add “den/office” to the features you want in a new home. Talk to your home insurer to see if you should have an exclusive entrance if the public will be coming to your home. Also, check local zoning codes to see what the restrictions are for having a home business. With more people telecommuting or setting up an online business, having a nice home office can be a real plus.
Vegetable Garden: No longer is growing your own food a trendy thing to do. It’s back to basics for some who want to ensure their food supply is safe. You’ll also save quite a bit of money as well. Most newer subdivisions have restrictions that don’t permit “growing crops”. Yes, that salad garden of tomatoes and lettuce is considered a “crop”. If being able to grow your own veggies is important to you, be sure to check the deed restrictions to see if you’re allowed to have a garden.
Alternate Heat Source: We know that the typical fireplace is not efficient because the heat goes up the chimney. But if you have a ready (free) supply of wood, a wood stove can sometimes be used to heat the home or at least a portion of it, thereby saving some on the cost of your main heat supply. These stoves can also be wonderful if a severe winter storm causes the electric to go out. Huddle around them, keep your tootsies warm, and make a few S’mores.
As a buyer, if you’ve narrowed your home search down to 2 or 3 homes, you might just want to consider some of these other not-so-common features in the homes. When you do, you may find quite a difference in the overall costs – or savings – that one home offers over others. Of course, we can’t put a price on quality of life for the duration that you will be living in the home. However, if you know you’re saving money during that time, you’ll enjoy the home a whole lot more.
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