My spouse and I are looking at a property in San Carlos on the hills. We really like it. However, our realtor says because it's an inverted layout (need to go downstairs for the bedrooms) and there's no usable backyard (very slopes) then there will limited appreciation. We don't have kids yet so I'm curious how much of an issue the layout and backyard is for folks. Haven't been able to find anything definitive online.
Definately less deseribale but if you like it make a low offer and see what happens?
Unless it’s Downtown, usually people move far away from a town center because they want a backyard so it’s harder to sell later.
Backyard is a big deal if you have kids. That's the whole point of going into slavery and selling kidneys to pay that mortgage. Yet. San Carlos has good schools, so parents will be ready to sacrifice everything for that.
Thanks, really appreciate your pov. We've decided to pass on this property
I lived in the area up there for years, right next to San Carlos hills, but had a modest usable backyard carved out of the hill. No usable yard is definitely going to be an issue with resale. It is beautiful up there, but the market for a property in the hills that feels like an apartment carved into the hillside will be limited. I had an inverse floorplan as well and hated it because upstairs (living space) was hot as hell in summer daytime with inadequate AC - nearly unlivable upstairs for 3-4 months of the year. If cooling is adequate, then get used to hauling groceries up several flights of stairs and garbage down flights of stairs. Hillside living is a lot more work than living in the flats, and you will deal with winter rain runoff, rodents and wildlife issues (we had yellow jacket nests a few times). Also, trips to the grocery store and simple errands are much more time consuming. This is the price you pay for the privacy of living in the hills. But if you love it, go for it - do suggest finding a house with some yard space though.
Never thought of the heat issue, good point. Thanks, we really appreciate your pov. We've decided to pass on this property
Is this a leetcode question?
Bedrooms downstairs will hear every footstep upstairs. If anyone is walking around upstairs, the people in the bedrooms will not be able to sleep.
From property appreciation point of view which I think is the main issue- its gonna be a big deal. You might want to look for something else even though you don’t have kids yet.
No backyard is a pretty important issue.
I don’t think op is considering the house any more. Weekend’s gone, new open houses next weekend. He or she posted and never replied to anyone on the thread.
Just posted an update
How much is it for?