Is a formal living room important for resale value? (Raleigh: houses, buyers)

[iloveusa1984]

Hi everyone,

My wife and I have lived in Durham for the last 6 years.
We plan to purchase a new construction in Apex or Raleigh and were wondering if owning a formal living room is important for resale value.

From what I gather, it is the least used room in the house.

Thank you in advance for your responses.

[dhanu86]

To some people useless rooms matter, they want it to impress others. I think enough bathrooms or a storage room like a basement matters more.

[MrRational]

Originally Posted by iloveusa1984

...wondering if owning a formal living room is important for resale value.

Are you suggesting some sort of "great room" instead?
If so, I'd call it a wash.

Otherwise... yes it matters
and for the same basic reason that 3 smallish BR's are "better" than 2 bigger BR's

[Jowel]

I would think it would depend on the price point of the house, how many other houses in the area have this feature, the demographics of likely buyers (I would think older traditionalists and wealthier people would be the home buyers who would typically expect this feature).

Maybe a realtor could offer their take, but I'm thinking this is a good bet.

[BoBromhal]

these days, a "formal living room" in any house under $500K is not desired.