Finding the Hidden Potential in Your Future Mountain Home

There is no such thing as a perfect house. However, almost perfect can easily be better than perfect if you can think creatively. There are many factors to consider when you take the plunge and buy a new mountain home. A decision of this magnitude should be well thought-out and strategized.

Whether you want a vacation or year-round home, it’s definitely a significant investment and quite possibly the biggest decision you will make this year. Finding your dream property is 100% attainable with the right guidance. We strive to ensure that you get exactly what you want by helping you do a little planning.

 

You’re not likely to find a home that checks all your boxes upon first glance. This is frustrating, especially in a vibrant real estate market. Don’t allow yourself to be discouraged! Remember, only in rare situations does a buyer find the perfect house.

In reality, almost every house can benefit from some transformation – whether major or minor. Limiting your search to just properties that meet all your criteria means you might struggle through the process. Oftentimes a home that seems less-than-ideal at first can have great potential.

There is a better way to get what you want; you just need to be creative and have an open mind. This month we’re sharing our crash course on how to identify unrealized potential in what can be your perfect mountain home.

Good Bones

You’ve probably heard this phrase ad nauseam, but its importance cannot be overstated. A home with good bones is structurally sound, well built, and well maintained. This can be worth much more than a poorly constructed home.

A property with good bones also provides an opportunity to get exactly what you want. Don’t forget that the chance to update and customize a home to your design style has value too.

Location, Location, Location

The physical location is one thing about a home you will never be able to change. At the same time, location is one indelible feature you don’t want to overlook. If the home’s location is right and the layout holds potential, then you’re headed in the right direction.

A home with good bones in a community you enjoy can be far better than a turnkey home in a neighborhood you don’t like. Find exactly where you want to belong, then everything else will fall into place!

Property Potential

We’ve established that you can’t change where a home is located. You also can’t do much about the lot on which the home is sited. It’s imperative that you take a close look at the land and surrounding properties, in addition to the home.

Landscape remodels, drainage upgrades, and erosion control management are typically easy to do. They can make a huge difference in curb appeal while supporting the overall health of the home’s foundation and exterior.

However, these measures don’t make sense when a lot has deficiencies. If the lot’s natural assets are not in-line with your vision, then it likely is not worth the work.

Easy Fixes

We all know the importance of first impressions, but it’s equally important to remember that first impressions aren’t the same as final impressions. If a home has lime green walls and black tile countertops, that doesn’t mean you have to stay married to the same design. Don’t let easy fixes get in the way of owning your dream home.

Some easy fixes include:

• Upgrade paint colors

• Refinish wood floors

• Update plumbing and light fixtures

• Replace outdated countertops

• Change cabinet and door hardware

Seeing past appearances is the trick! Don’t get hung up on things that can be easily changed.

Floorplan Flexibility

Having vision is everything! When looking at homes, it’s easy to be distracted by what is there versus what could be there. Think outside of the box. What can be changed to suit your needs?

When you’re assessing a property, think of questions like:

• Will your design style work within the home?

• What is on your must-have list, and can the home deliver most of those items?

• How can you maximize the home’s floor plan and layout to satisfy your needs?

• Based on your must-haves, what parts of the home do you plan to leave untouched?

Your dream home might be standing right in front of you!

 

Call in the Experts

Looking past the surface and reading between the lines is a critical skill when shopping for the perfect mountain home on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau. Being creative and having vision is a talent we have honed throughout our decades of sales experience.

We are excited to put our expertise to work and help you find hidden potential in the home of your dreams.

For more expert advice on finding your next home, schedule a chat with Ali and Kati today!

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Featured in today’s post:

 

• The reclaimed antique log cabin pictured in this post was totally transformed with new kitchen and bathrooms by Black Rock Design | Build in Highlands, NC. Click Here to learn more about their extensive list of services!

 

• “After” Photo Credit: Gil Stose Photography, Highlands NC. Click Here to learn more about Gil Stose Photography.