Part of knowing when a "good deal" in real estate investing is really a good deal is determining whether a property will sell quickly after purchase.

To View or not to View

Although it is common knowledge that homes with a pleasant view often sell at a premium above similar homes without the view. However, if a view is important to you, buy it for your own home but not as an investment. Though you may place a considerable dollar value on the view, future buyers may not be so concurring. It may take you longer to find a buyer when it comes time to resell the property. Or you may end up having to reduce your price to attract buyers.

In short, don't bank on a view bringing top dollar on a property if you are looking for a quick sale unless you're paying very little extra for it. If not, you might not get your money back.

Lot Size and Landscaping

Albeit most of the value of real estate is usually determined by the structure, the landscaping and the lot have value as well. The lot should be as level as possible and not peculiarly shaped or unusually positioned.

Although yard sizes tend to be smaller in newer homes than in older homes, the size of the lot is important if the home is to be sold quickly. Buying a house where the back yard is small or is taken up by a swimming pool or other structure can significantly reduce the investor's ability to turn the property for quick resale.

Purchasing a property that has significant landscaping can also reduce your ability to sell the property. Besides the fact that you would normally pay a premium for the landscaping, which you may not be able to recover when you sell . You will get your best value if the house is moderately landscaped or under-landscaped for the area. You can always improve the landscaping during your ownership by improving the grass and adding bushes and trees. Just do not spend too much.

House Size

In each residential neighborhood, houses will vary in size and rooms, but they should not be too different. If resale value is an important consideration, you should not buy the largest model in the neighborhood. When determining market value, the homes nearest to yours are most important. If most of the nearby houses are smaller than your house, they can act as a drag on appreciation.

On the other hand, if you buy a small or medium house for the neighborhood, the larger homes can help pull up your value. This is one of those times where determining your "wants" versus your "needs" can be extremely important. Buying what you need in a more prestigious neighborhood may provide more financial reward than getting what you want in a less desirable neighborhood.

Bedrooms and Bathrooms

Three and four bedroom houses are the most popular among homebuyers, so if you can stick in that range you will have more potential buyers when it comes time to resell. Five is okay, too, as long as you do not have to pay too much extra for the additional bedroom.

There should always be at least two bathrooms in a house, preferably at least two and a half. One bathroom with a place to wash up for day-to-day visitors, one for the master bedroom, and at least one to be shared by the other bedrooms.

Closets, Garages and Laundry

Walk-in closets are extremely desirable for the master bedroom. For the rest of the house, just be sure there is plenty of closet space. Don't forget space for linens and towels.

Garages add to the resale value and you should always make sure to get at least a two-car garage. Lately, three-car garages have become desirable in some areas of the country.

The laundry facilities should be located somewhere convenient on the main floor of the house, but not in a place it will create an eyesore. Think about whether you want to walk up and down stairs when carrying loads of laundry.

The Kitchen

Family activity centers around the kitchen, so this is the most important room of the house. Larger kitchens are better, and they should be provided with modern appliances. Obviously, the dining room and breakfast nook should be located adjacent to the kitchen. In newer houses, the family room should also be extremely close to the kitchen.

There should be easy access to the back yard, as there will be occasions for barbecues and outdoor entertaining. In addition, it should be a short trek between the garage to the kitchen so hauling groceries in from the car does not become a horrendous chore.

Fireplaces

The only room where you absolutely have to have a fireplace is the family room. A fireplace in the living room may be nice, but you pay extra for it and will probably rarely use it. At best, it serves as a focal point of the living room, but does not add much in real value.

Swimming Pools

Swimming pools do not provide as much added value as they once did. Safety issues about families with younger children have become more publicized than in the past, so families with small children tend to avoid homes with pools. As a result, having a pool may actually reduce the number of potential homebuyers when you try to resell the home.

Buy a home with a pool for your own enjoyment, not as an investment.

Since we are on the subject of swimming pools, here is a word of advice: If you want a pool, buy a home that already has a pool. Paying a contractor to install one for you is like throwing money away. You will never get a dollar-for-dollar return on your investment.

Over All Appeal

The pros know just a few dollars invested in key areas can sell a house quickly. There are many pointers and little "tricks" that can help sell a home. Whether you are selling the house yourself (which I would recommend trying) or using an agent this web site has some great info to help:

Quick and easy secrets to selling your home

Keeping some of these simple tips in mind will assist you in determining when a "good deal" in real estate investing is really a good deal by determining whether a property is likely to sell quickly after purchase.