July 28, 2022 | Homeownership

As buyers, it’s important to know what features you absolutely need in your home, and what you’re willing to be flexible about. It is also easy to see that beautiful home with the sparkling pool or the in-home theatre and think that you absolutely need those features, but they can heavily influence the price, and often times wind up unused or being more work than they’re worth.

Swimming Pool

A swimming pool is a feature that many buyers would love to have, however important factors need to be considered before signing on the dotted line. Swimming pools require separate inspections, regular maintenance and upkeep, including vacuuming the pool floor, cleaning filters, and checking for leaks in the pool lining among many other things. It’s important to weigh the extra cost and work associated with pool ownership with how much you and your family will really use it. Pools also typically do not boost the resale value of your home by much, and in certain instances where they do – for example, if many other homes in the neighbourhood also have a pool – the increase in value is only about 5-7%.

In-House Cinemas

This is another feature that could at first seem very appealing, however ultimately may not be worth the additional price. Home theatres are highly specialized, can really only be used for one purpose and can be packed with expensive equipment, and if you aren’t planning on recreating the theatre experience at home frequently, the space could be better used for other activities.

Expensive Landscaping

For those who love to entertain, having an elaborately landscaped backyard seems like a must-have. However, this is another feature where you need to ensure the maintenance is worth it once you move in. Lavish water features that require servicing, green walls, perfectly arranged floral gardens are beautiful but all require extra maintenance if you want to keep the space looking fresh. Buying a home with a relatively open backyard space that you can then alter to your specific needs can be a more efficient way to achieve the backyard of your dreams.

Huge Primary Ensuites/Bathrooms

Seeing a decadently designed bathroom no doubt fills you with thoughts of relaxing baths after a long week, and while having multiple different kinds of shower heads and trendy decorations are eye-catching and exciting at first glance, the reality is that you can only spend so many hours a day in your bathroom, and it needs to be a space that is first and foremost practical.

Wine Cellar

Wine cellars can be either a positive or negative feature depending on the household. It all boils down to what you need: are you looking for a small but tasteful display to show off your rarer vintages, or are you looking for a large, custom designed cellar with room for a bar? While more and more families are looking for wine storage, having that elaborately designed space might not be worth the price if you’re more of a casual wine drinker.

Every family is different, and when you’re buying a home you want to ensure all of its features suit your needs and purposes. Let us help you find the home that is right for you so you don’t have to compromise on what’s important, while avoiding paying for all those extra elements that you may not need. Contact us today! We’re always here to help.