options

[Tanya]

When it comes time to choose options for our new home, should we be concerned about adding too much "stuff?" What I mean is, I've heard that if you incorporate too many extras, like appliances for example, you decrease the appraised value of the home in relation to the loan amount, making it more difficult to sell later.

[rmurray]

Interesting question...Do you buy options on your cars????????...The same thing goes for them...

Future appraisals will only take into consideration structural features and insulation..

Many options do not add to the appraisal...example..ceramic cook top ranges..about $400 more..but nada on the appraisal...BUT...nice feature to have living in the home...and might make it easier to sell later..the lady might really want one..

Many options are for added comfort and pride..not for investment purposes..in autos...blinking turn signals in the side mounted mirrors make the car safer...but not worth more later..but maybe easier to sell to safety minded folks..

Homes have many such options...Full ceramic showers...nice to have..durable...look great...something to show off (part of owning a home)..NOT one dime in added value to an appraisor...but might make the sale easier later..if not..well you enjoyed it in the mean time..Much like the turn signals above..

Some options on a home are like cheese on a hamburger..it costs more..really does not do anything...BUT..boy is it GOOD..

[Tanya]

I've never bought a brand new car, so that's a tough question
We buy nearly everything we can on Ebay, including our last car. Our first man. home was a repo. I think you get the idea! In fact, this will be the first major brand-new purchase I've ever made! Needless to say this is very exciting, I just don't want to make any decisions I'm going to regret 10 years down the road!

[Craig]

if nothing else. upgrade your insulation & windows. very little out of pocket cost .
definately worth it to me on the money I will save on heating / cooling bills down the road.

[jgn]

Everything depends on your budget. I would get the largest and best quality home you can afford for a basic home without all the candy. You can always upgrade fixtures but it is tough to upgrade construction. Windows, insullation, roof material, 2x6 outside studs, quality doors are all things to upgrade because it is not something you can do later. Fixtures and appliances can always be ugraded later. Figure out what you have to spend and make a list of upgrades that you would like in order of importance, spend it till it's gone. My list would be, 2x6 exterior, insullation, windows, heavier shingles, larger HW heater, xtra outside faucets, panel doors, baseboard trim, crown molding. I would not upgrade fixtures, carpet or paint because these you will do over time.

[arfmom]

All the things on jgn's lists are STANDARD at Oak Creek Homes except the 2x6 exterior but are an option. Check them out.

http://www.oak-creek-homes.com/default.asp