Kingstowne is one of the most coveted communities in the Alexandria area for good reason. It has- top-rated public schools, gorgeous tree-lined residential streets, and luxurious local amenities. Homes for sale in the Kingstowne community include everything from single-family homes to condominiums to townhomes.
Located just 12 miles outside of Washington, D.C., Kingstowne homes are perfectly situated close to metro stations, the Pentagon, and the Capitol Beltway. Its ideal location and amazing amenities make this master-planned community one of the most sought-after residential spots in Northern Virginia. The current Kingstowne real estate market is a flourishing and dynamic market. As homeowners look to make the best choices with their investment, it helps to have all the pertinent information from experts in the local market.
One of the most difficult decisions for all homeowners to make is whether to move to a new home or remodel their current home. It’s a decision with significant financial and logistical implications that need to be carefully reviewed.
Are you thinking of upgrading your current home? Considering purchasing a new home? There are some major pros and cons to both moving and remodeling to consider when looking at current real estate trends.
Location
One of the most important factors in the move versus remodel debate is location. Homeowners need to evaluate the location of their current home — ease of access to transportation hubs, commute times, and nearby amenities are all important things to consider. And for families with young children, local public and private schools are a major consideration in making the move or remodel choice.
If your current home is in your dream location, a remodel might be the smarter move, both practically and emotionally. Finding the right neighborhood can be hard, and if you are happy with your home’s location, decide if you can renovate it to fit your changing lifestyle needs. You can keep the same neighbors and the same school district by upgrading your home.
A major draw towards the purchase of a new home is the ability of owners to pick their ideal neighborhood. Buyers can factor in things like commute times, local schools, nearby stores and restaurants, and overall neighborhood atmosphere into their search. An experienced agent can help find the perfect home in the perfect location. One that is close to top-rated schools, high-end amenities, and great recreation venues.
Size and space
When evaluating this important real estate decision, homeowners need to take a good look at their current home with thought to both its indoor and outdoor spaces. As owners move through the various stages of life, their home has to align with their evolving lifestyle. Growing families need more living and outdoor areas, while others might be looking to downsize on both space and landscape upkeep.
If your current home is meeting all of your interior and exterior spatial needs, it might be wiser to look at a remodel. Updates can be made to the superficial portions while still maintaining the basic structure and size of your home.
However, if you find yourself needing to upgrade or downsize your living space, a move might be more logistically and financially sound. Major renovations like structural additions or large landscaping projects to expand outdoor space can quickly spiral out of cost and time constraints. For some, having too much interior space can be a real concern when thinking about upkeep, so a newer, smaller home might be beneficial.
Cost and time
Both new purchases and renovations can carry added financial responsibilities and time constraints for homeowners. Remodeling a home is a massive undertaking in both time and cost. Major renovation projects have timelines that can vary widely from the projected estimate from a contractor. There are also often unexpected costs that crop up during a remodel that can add additional expenses to your overall financial outlook.
It’s also important to consider the overall Return on Investment (ROI) for renovation projects. Not all home remodel projects provide a dollar-for-dollar return on cost versus added home value, so owners need to analyze the effectiveness of any renovation expenditures carefully.
Purchasing a new home tends to have a more settled budget and time forecast since there is an agreed-upon cost and closing deadline. However, buyers need to keep an eye on things like current mortgage rates and area real estate market trends when determining whether to remodel or purchase a new home. Contacting an experienced local agent is the best way to get a view of all the factors at play when purchasing a new home.
Modernization
All homeowners want their houses to have all the modern comforts that serve both functionally and aesthetically. Some fixes are easy. Replacing tiles or repainting interior walls are quick fixes that can also be comparatively inexpensive. However, some older homes have larger issues when looking into a major renovation project. Mature homes can have major structural hazards or contain harmful materials like asbestos that can be both time-consuming and costly to remedy.
If you decide to remodel your existing home, it’s important to work with professionals who make sure the structure meets current building codes and standards. A licensed home inspector can evaluate the structure and indicate whether major safety concerns, electrical problems, or sewer issues are at play for a planned renovation. Major projects to fix these issues and bring a home up to code can inflate a renovation budget.
New construction and recently built homes are current on modern building codes and inspection standards, which is a major bonus when making the remodel versus move choice. There will be no added costs to the buyer to make sure the home meets current safety standards. And newer builds have an eye on energy efficiency with improved insulation, effective heating and cooling systems, and Energy Star appliances.
Ready to make a move?
If, after careful consideration, you are looking to purchase the home of your dreams, the DC Metro Realty Team is ready to help you find the house to meet all your needs. The professionals at DC Metro Realty are experts in Northern Virginia and the Washington, D.C., area. They have the insight, experience, and knowledge to help you sell your current home and find the ideal new home. The extensive marketing and research toolbox they have cultivated is ready to help you navigate all the current real estate technologies and trends.
Team Leader Denise Buck has been named one of Northern VA Magazine’s Top Agents, a designation showcasing her dedication and innovation in the regional real estate market. Agent Ed Johnson has years of experience in the Kingstowne area to help with analysis and sales in this dynamic market. The DC Metro Realty Team is ready to help you with all real estate needs.
