Image by Michal Jarmoluk from Pixabay
Everyone's ideal home is different. Age, family size, budget and location all factor into the home buying process. Here's a brief look at the types of properties that attract different people.
Apartments
Apartments are usually a stepping stone for young professionals as they save up for a home. They are also convenient for people who move often and don't want to go through the hassle of buying and selling a house. Having maintenance services, various lease options and on-site amenities are strong selling points. Location will play the most prominent role in rent prices and demand.
Ranch-Style Homes & Smaller Houses
Single-story homes, condos and townhomes make solid starter homes for young professionals and couples. If the home is in a reputable school district and/or close to shopping centers and major roadways, it will attract buyers of all ages. Two houses with the same design and square footage will command very different prices and interest depending on the location.
Homes with Large Yards
These types of homes are ideal for families with kids and/or pets. Older buyers who enjoy privacy and quiet will also appreciate the acreage. Many buyers will gladly choose a smaller house with a large yard than the inverse.
Larger Homes
Higher end homes will mostly attract buyers far into their careers who have significant savings. Depending on the location, these homes will often meet with either high demand or stay on the market for a while. High-end homes sell best in a high-income area and will have a niche market in a less affluent neighborhood.
Office Buildings
Companies and small business owners rent offices to grow their operations. Successful enterprises often result in multi-year leases.
Retail Properties
From downtown storefronts to large shopping centers, retail properties can serve as everything from grocery stores to hobby shops to restaurants. The landlord may also receive a percentage of the property's sales on top of the monthly rent.
Mixed-Use Commercial Properties
Multi-story commercial buildings are often home to various businesses. You might see a shoe store next to a dentist with a corporate office above and a restaurant below. These properties are usually bought by experienced investors with substantial assets. They will then rent the space to various businesses as a way to diversify their portfolio and hedge against risk.
Whether you're buying or selling, it pays to choose the best option based on your situation. Having an experienced real estate agent on your side can help you secure a great deal in any neighborhood.
About the Author
Kyung Kim
Hi, I'm Kyung Kim. I immigrated from South Korea to the United States in 1968 when I was 7 years old. I have seen my mom struggle with the English language and work hard to raise her four kids by herself. Still to this day, I don't know how she pulled it off, but she bought her first home in 1979 for $70,000 and because of that decision, she was able to live without worrying about her financial future. I want that for everyone, to feel the pride of home ownership and to build their financial wealth using real estate as part of their financial portfolio. I feel so blessed to play a small role in helping others reach this goal.
I live in Beaverton with my husband, Richard. My mom, who lived with us for several years, passed away in our home in February 2022. Her first home purchase in 1979 made it possible for her to live to the very end, without worrying about her finances. As of August 2022 with a little downpayment assistance, our four children own their own homes. Being in real estate, I quickly realized that if they didn't buy now, they may be priced out of the market in the future. Whether that would have been the case, we will never know, but what we do know is that they are all realizing some good, healthy appreciation in their home values.
As passionate as I am about people owning their homes, I'm also passionate about giving back to our community. I support Compassion First, a non-profit organization that provides aftercare for sex trafficked girls in Indonesia. My husband and I also feel called to financially support social injustice organizations.
I'd love to assist you. Whether you're in the research phase at the beginning of your real estate search or you know exactly what you're looking for, you'll benefit from having a real estate professional by your side. I'd be honored to put my real estate experience to work for you.
