by Betty Jo Hawkins

Created on: April 05, 2009

It is my opinion that one story homes not only have a higher resale value but they are also more appealing when people are house hunting. Older people may not want to or may not be able to climb steps and are looking for every thing on one floor. As we age it is difficult to climb steps on a regular basis if our health fails us. I am currently in my mid forty's and live in a town house. My laundry room is in the basement and my bedroom is on the second floor. Dragging my laundry up and down two flights of stairs is not what I call fun. If I ever had an injury or surgery that would prevent me from being able to climb the steps I would have to sleep in my living room. I didn't mention that I only have a half bath on the main floor, so to shower would also be difficult. It seems that cleaning a multi floor home takes more time as well. I generally start at the top and work my way down.

I also believe that single story homes are much safer than two story homes. If there was a fire it is easier to climb out any window in any room. Two story homes need to have fire plans for the second floor so that the people can escape without jumping and harming themselves. Young people who are buying a home and planing to have children should also consider the risk of two story homes. Young children when learning to crawl and walk could fall down the steps. Putting up baby gates is alway an option but can be expensive when you are covering steps going up and down on several levels. They can be difficult to attach depending on the design of your railing. Then when you no longer need them you have to repair where you attached them. Plus you have to remember to close them at all times if the child is around. Opening and closing them with stuff in your hands may not be an easy task. If an older person were to fall down the steps they could injure themselves as well.

So when you are out house hunting think about how long you intend to stay in that house. Consider who would buy it from you if you decided to sell it. You want your house to appeal to all potential buyers, young couples, families, and even retired people. The more potential buyers they better resale value, you want more than one potential buyer at the same time. Then they will help drive the price up by competing to get a contract on your home. They may even offer you more than the asking price if others are interested in your home.

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