Open Plans vs. Home Resale Value

One of the nice things about our last move was getting back into what I'd call a normal home layout -- with features known as the interior walls -- after living in an open-plan house in Florida.

Since I'll doubtless have to move again some time down the line, it's music to my ears to see the open plan listed as detrimental to home resale values:

Don't start getting rid of walls. While open-concept living spaces may be considered trendy in some circles, there are classic layouts for a reason. "Making big decisions about room functionality can also deter buyers," says Kendra Sinclair, Thumbtack's expert on design trends. "Going for an extremely open layout can make it hard to picture where a dedicated dining or living room might go."

That last is because there can't be a dedicated dining room or living room. I love having both, and it seems that the market is with me.

Another standout on the list is one-of-a-kind technology, and the reasoning is sound. And I'd add: Even if you actually like or want to use a feature that -- while no longer cutting edge, remains functional -- you may find that its parts are out of production (and have to replace the whole thing down the line). Expensive! (This happened to me with a more mundane feature: a retractable stovetop vent whose only problem was a bad controller.)

I recall vetoing a house I looked at because it had a built-in theater. You can show my family tomorrow, but I'm going to veto it anyway, I told the realtor, who already knew it was out of our price range, anyway. I'm glad I saved the hour or so.

This is a good list I plan to use to refresh my memory the next time I have to house-hunt, and I recommend it to others, with the following proviso: I don't really see real estate as an investment because the market is so distorted by government meddling. My motivations are of a practical nature -- of things to be on the lookout for due to the flakey, fashion-driven nature of the American housing market.

-- CAV