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Maximizing Resale Value on a Custom Design-Build?

If you choose the custom design-build path, you probably aren’t thinking about resale value. Why would you? Custom design-builds are about tailoring a home’s design to your needs, wants, and aesthetics.

That said, it’s hard to know what the future holds, and selecting the right design elements can put you in a better position to maximize your investment and get a good return should you choose to sell.

This is not to say that you should add the custom elements that you’ve always wanted or those that bring you joy. It just means that a custom home made to look the the Bedrock abode from The Flintstones probably won’t give you a good return on investment. (BTW, the Flintstones house listed for 3.5mil and sold for 1.7 mil, so the right buyer is out there. Somewhere.)

To keep your resale value high, follow these guidelines:

Choose Desirable Location with Unique Features

Regardless of what prospective buyers think of your layout, an amazing location can trump all. Location is an extremely attractive selling feature, so in the Myrtle Beach area, waterfront and ocean views can command a premium.

But you don’t need to build beachfront to keep your resale value high. Consider location and ease of commute to the beach. As a result, homes between Kings Highway and Ocean Boulevard in Myrtle Beach can command a higher resale because they are within walking distance to the beach.

Additionally, when choosing a lot, consider those with desirable features in our area like natural privacy or sprawling live oaks. Outdoor setting and mood can create an emotional pull with buyers imagining a life in your home. Depending on your interests, lots on respected golf courses or those on a cul-de-sac can add value. Finding an ideal location is the best thing you can do to maintain a high ROI.

Exteriors Matter So Invest in Curb Appeal

The fact is, we do judge books by their covers. Similarly, a home’s curb appeal can attract buyers and add value to your home. Regardless of your custom design-build “theme,” choose fashionable, high quality materials for your home’s exterior.

In Myrtle Beach, luxury can be seen with quality material and custom hardscaping. Stonework and natural woods, combined with an elegant driveway and landscaping, can help your home command top dollar.

Working with a landscape architect can help you identify plants and hardscape design that complements your home. A landscape design specialist will select species that create a unified design and also work well in the South Carolina heat.

Additionally, using hurricane-rated exterior materials will also increase your resale value, especially if you are near the beach.

Focus on Rooms that Matter Most

When working with your custom home builder, invest in the spaces that matter the most and think about usability.

  • In general, everyone loves ample storage, especially if creative storage solutions allow for easy access and the ability to be “hidden.”
  • Kitchens are high-usage, high-traffic areas, and as such, making your kitchen spacious and functional is a priority.
  • Myrtle Beach is a popular retirement area, so including “age in place” design principles is a great way to make your home more appealing to our market.

While you shouldn’t design your home around the desires of unknown future buyers, it’s wise to consider which design elements in your home will appeal to buyers and command a high resale value, and which ones won’t.

Put in the cylindrical, floor-to-ceiling aquarium in the living room if that is your passion. But do so knowing that the return on investment (other than your own happiness–and this is a totally valid ROI, in our opinion!) probably won’t be there.

To start thinking about your own custom home, contact us at Odom Design today.