Jim Valentine: Adapting to the times

There are many social changes that can make a home obsolete in a hurry. We’ve seen it with longer vehicles, flat screen televisions, and drought-caused landscaping changes.

Things that were once unthinkable become the norm and the existing homes are suddenly outdated. Be sure to pay attention to the details of your current lifestyle when looking for a home these days, and don’t settle for things that won’t work for you unless you can implement an appropriate change in a timely and cost-effective manner.

A conventional two-car garage was always 400 square feet, 20x20. Today’s trucks, however, are 22 feet long and won’t fit in that old standard. In fact, a 22-foot garage will make it tight so many are 24 feet long, or longer. Cars, too, are bigger, so pay attention to this one so you don’t have a problem. This can be a real problem if your cars don’t fit in the garage and the neighborhood has deed restrictions preventing outside overnight parking. Some older subdivisions have similar inherent problems in their design. Parking spaces made 20 feet long will leave a 22-foot-long vehicle hanging out into the street.

Electricity is getting more attention these days. It has been known that older homes have insufficient outlets for today’s electrically-charged lifestyle, but the home’s electrical panel is now coming under more scrutiny. A new problem, not known yet to many, is the charging of an electric automobile. If you own a Tesla and live in a home with a 100 amp panel you will likely have to turn off the air conditioner and/or other electrical items in order to charge your car. Yes, the future that is being pushed on us won’t work in many, many homes without expensive modification.

Flatscreen televisions have changed living and other rooms design. There is now no need to build in television shelving or allow for room for a table on which to put the TV. Now you need a big flat area to put the ever-increasing-in-size entertainment box. Sound has also changed. You don’t need to hardwire the home to have television and music throughout. You can put Bluetooth speakers anywhere and move them easily with the new systems. This, too, allows for changes in design. You can also drive your “stereo” music from your phone without having a large rack system consuming space in your living room, coat closet, or wherever you put it.

Landscaping is also different these days. Lush and beautiful used to be the order of the day, but a sustained drought and the influx of retirees has caused xeriscape to be generally acceptable now. It not only uses less water, it is easier to travel to visit out of town friends and family and not have to worry about things overgrowing or burning up if the water system fails. This is a major change in mindset and is well established in today’s world.

Your intended use is what is important in your new home. Be sure you take the time to “relate” to the home and its current attributes as they will affect your enjoyment of the property. If things need to be modified, how long will it take and how much will it cost. Some things are specialized to your particular interests, but others will universally affect all buyers. Be sure to recognize the difference as you strategize your offer. Something esoteric that affects you and few others isn’t going to get you a lot of negotiating power. Talk to your agent about the home, its general appeal in the market, and if it is priced appropriately if there are noticeable generational deficiencies in the property.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Some look at a squeaky-clean new construction home with fondness while others embrace the challenge of freshening a dated home. Identify which one you are and shop accordingly.

When it comes to choosing professionals to assist you with your Real Estate needs… Experience is Priceless! Jim Valentine, RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, 775-781-3704. dpwtigers@hotmail.com.