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Randy
Randy
Home Buyer
silverspring

2bdr vs 3bdr?

There is a beautiful 2bdr townhome we are interested in but it is only 2bdr. It is similar in price to the 3bdr townhomes we are looking at. They are marketing it as a 3bdr but really it is the lower level(basement) that is the 3rd. Is it better just to a full 3bdr and basement as far as selling down the road?

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Rick & Ivy Reed
Rick & Ivy Reed
Real Estate Pro
Montgomery
Sun Aug 3 2008, 15:08

3 BR above grade is always better. Buy a 3 BR, it is a much better investment.

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Bruce Lemieux
Bruce Lemieux
Real Estate Pro
Montgomery
Sun Aug 3 2008, 12:29

Hi Randy, all other things equal, 3 bedrooms (above grade) are better than 2. However, sometimes the 2nd and 3rd bedrooms of a 3 bedroom towhome are so small that they aren't that usable -- avoid these if you can. Good luck.

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Don Tepper
Don Tepper
Real Estate Pro
Fairfax
Sun Aug 3 2008, 10:03

That often depends on what buyers are looking for, and that can vary by buyer demographics (number of people in the family, number of children), and the buyers themselves (whether they want a home office, for instance).

In general--broad statement, running the risk of overgeneralizing--a 3 bedroom often is more desirable than a 2 bedroom. As I mentioned, a growing number of buyers want an area for a home office. If you subtract one room (doesn't have to be an official bedroom, but many want a distinct room, not just an alcove off the kitchen), then a 2 bedroom property turns into 1 usable bedroom. And sometimes that isn't enough for some buyers. So, all things being equal, 3 is usually better than 2.

Now, having said that, all things are never equal. The question is: Which fits your needs and your lifestyle better? You're the ones who are going to be living there for awhile--in today's market, your horizon should be at least 3-4 years, probably longer. So: Choose the property that will best meet your needs, and that you'll most enjoy, for the next 5 years or so. Selling down the road is important, but finding a place to live that works for you is more important. And if that's the 2 bedroom property, then go for it.

Good luck.

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Scott Godzyk
Scott Godzyk
Real Estate Pro
New Hampshire
Sun Aug 3 2008, 09:57
FIRST ANSWER

When appraising a property rooms below grade are not used in calculating square footage for value however a a property with a basement will have a greater value to a buyer than one without and by all means a finished basement will add more value than a non finished basement. Good Luck

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