Of course the house that you picked out is desirable – you chose it right? But will it have good resale value? Will others see what you see in it? Since the average American family will most likely not stay in one location, choosing to buy a home that will grow in value and sell quickly should definitely be a consideration.

Location, Location, Location…that is what most people think of when considering resale value. But, what may be a desirable location now may not be when it is time for you to sell. You still need to consider how the community is changing and the areas where new growth seems to be heading. You also need to evaluate the quality of services nearby (groceries, shopping and schools) because these can either add or take away from the value of your home.

Avoiding outdated features is another way to increase your home’s resale value. One-bath homes sell for significantly less than two-bath homes. Tubs and showers in outdated colors may be difficult to replace without major structural work. Kitchen appliances in odd colors, non-neutral carpet choices and major layout changes (like sealing off the garage) can also pose problems.

Basically, you need to keep future buyers in the back of your mind when choosing your home and when making design choices once you have moved in. This is especially important if you expect to relocate within three to five years. A wise decision now can have a big payoff when the time comes!

For more tips, read “How to Buy a Home with Good Resale Value” by Janet Wickell at http://homebuying.about.com/cs/howtobuy/a/home_resale.htm

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