3 bdrm 1 bath vs. 2 bdrm 2 bath (square footage, price, properties, rent)

[FarewellLA]

All things equal, which would be the most attractive property to purchase in terms of resale value for a single family residence?

I am looking for a home now and I see various properties that are w/in my budget. The homes are usually 3 bedroom with 1 bath or a 2 bedroom with 2 baths.

My initial preference was to find a 2 bdrm, 2 bath but that may be shortsighted on my part. I am single, no kids so both are actually fine with me but which is preferable overall?

[pers]

I would take a 3/1 over a 2/2 personally. It may depend on area but resale matters to me and my realtor advised that I want at least 3 bedrooms for maximum ease of selling since even though a 2 bedroom sell eventually, it generally takes quite a bit longer.

[QuilterChick]

Originally Posted by FarewellLA

All things equal, which would be the most attractive property to purchase in terms of resale value for a single family residence?

I am looking for a home now and I see various properties that are w/in my budget. The homes are usually 3 bedroom with 1 bath or a 2 bedroom with 2 baths.

My initial preference was to find a 2 bdrm, 2 bath but that may be shortsighted on my part. I am single, no kids so both are actually fine with me but which is preferable overall?

It depends whether or not the home is in an area of similar homes; similar age groups etc. and if there is a possibility of adding another bath in the future. Also depends on how long you plan to stay in the house. In retirement areas, two beds and two baths is not objectionable. In an area with amenities for young children, people can get by with one bath, but not with 2 BR's ... that determines resale value.

All in all, choose what works for you at the right price now. You cannot "buy" into the future.

[rfr69]

Originally Posted by FarewellLA

All things equal, which would be the most attractive property to purchase in terms of resale value for a single family residence?

I am looking for a home now and I see various properties that are w/in my budget. The homes are usually 3 bedroom with 1 bath or a 2 bedroom with 2 baths.

My initial preference was to find a 2 bdrm, 2 bath but that may be shortsighted on my part. I am single, no kids so both are actually fine with me but which is preferable overall?

Both are drawbacks, but I would say 3 bed one bath is better than 2 bed 2 bath.

You can normally probably find a space to put a 2nd bathroom if necessary or may be able to expand a 1/2 bath into a full bath to make two bathrooms but without doing a huge addition you really can't add a bedroom

[Squirl]

sometimes you can add a half bath its it's pier & beam and has an extra closet in the master or room in the laundry room.....so look for that possibility and go with the 3/1.....

[MeinGlanzendMotorrad]

I have a four bedroom, one bath, toilet in the basement (no sink though) and it works out just fine. I don't know how it will affect resale but it's an 85 year old house in a neighborhood of 85 year old houses, so I imagine a lot of them are like this.

[manderly6]

For me, 1 bath vs. 2 would be an inconvenience. 2 bedroom vs. 3 would be a deal breaker.

[Narfcake]

Provided they're both similar in price, condition and square footage, I'd go with the 2/2.

Yeah, they both have their drawbacks attracting families when it comes to resale time, but my reasoning is that it's cheaper to add on a bedroom than to add a bathroom.

[kekee726]

I'd go with the 2/2 before the 3/1. If you ever need to get a roommate or rent the space out, who wants to share a bath???

[manderly6]

Originally Posted by Narfcake

but my reasoning is that it's cheaper to add on a bedroom than to add a bathroom.

I don't know if I agree with this. Adding on a bathroom seems like you are talking about putting an addition on your house. Adding a bathroom is most likely using existing space.