Understanding What “Appreciation” Means in the Real Estate Industry
Appreciation is the increase in the worth or value of property. Investors generally buy property for two reasons – income production and appreciation potential.
The purchase of a home usually is the single greatest investment most people make in their lives. It’s important to look at one’s home as an investment, and understand what drives the value of the property in order to find opportunities that maximize wealth. Given the unpredictable nature of the real estate market, what should you know about home appreciation before you buy?
Location, Location, Location
As the population steadily increases, the demand for land grows as well. The supply of land on this planet is limited, and its price increases as the population does. Home buyers should focus more on how purchasing a property in a specific location will appreciate over time, versus the physical attributes of the home itself. This is a difficult task for buyers who are expecting to spend a significant amount of time in the home. However, almost all homes can be improved as time goes by and can provide a significant return on the investment – if they’re located in an area of high demand.
Current & Future Amenities
Local amenities are great, and definitely a key factor when choosing a property to purchase. But what about the future prospects for commercial and/or governmental development in the area? Future schools, hospitals, traffic patterns and other public infrastructure will have a big influence on land values, as well as current and future development of commercial amenities in a particular location.
Unfortunately, whether your home will appreciate over time is mostly out of your control. The residential real estate market has a natural ebb and flow between being a buyers’ markets and a sellers’ markets.
With so much information and advice out there, it’s hard to know for sure where your property fits into the mix. The JS Realty Team is a great resource when it comes to buying and selling residential real estate. If you’re curious about the appreciation of your current home, contact our Expert Realtors today! They proudly offer FREE Home Analysis and Consultations for Buyers, Sellers, and Investors.
