We’re all familiar with things that make a house worth more on the market – large, modern kitchens with nice appliances, plenty of bathrooms, lots of natural light, excellent curb appeal, and good-quality backyard space. But there are other aspects of a property that you might not consider “make-or-break” when house hunting that you should still consider before signing on the dotted line. Here are three underrated features to look for in a house when shopping.
Closet Space
Adequate closet space is a feature people don’t often prioritize when house hunting, especially younger individuals and first-time homeowners. These prospective buyers usually don’t have enough belongings to warrant more closet space. As long as there’s room for all your clothes, that’s good enough . . . right?
In reality, more closets are a very nice feature in any home. It allows you to store many more items, which is especially important if you need safe storage for valuables and essential documents, or simply space to store winter clothes and formal wear properly. Walk-in closets are very desirable, but any home with multiple closets for your things should be suitable for you and your family.
Storm Shelters
If you live in a state that suffers from tropical storms, storm shelters are essential. Some homes throughout these states feature below-ground shelters accessible through the inside and/or outside of the house. These spaces give you adequate space for storing proper supplies and staying safe during hurricanes, severe storms, and even tornados.
However, there are ways around this – above-ground storm shelters are affordable, and you can fit them into any home that has a supporting structure (like a garage). Weigh the pros/cons of both shelters before figuring out if a below-ground shelter is an important feature for you.
Non-Bedroom Rooms
Every home on the market is listed the same way: X number of bedrooms, X number of bathrooms. But what about the other rooms. And we’re not talking about the dining, living, or family rooms. If you’re someone who’s interested in having a home office, a playspace for children, or simply a multi-purpose room for hobbies, it’s important you find a home with extra rooms. These areas are nice to have since they help keep the entire house separated and organized.
These underrated features to look for in a house when house hunting might not be deal breakers in your mind, but if you find a place that has them, they’ll help increase the property’s value. More importantly, it’ll increase your experience while living there!
