2br/2ba vs 3br/1ba (Richmond: real estate, first time home buyer, buyer)

[540_804]

I'm posting this in the Richmond section because a) I'm in Richmond and b) Real Estate is local, as the say.

I'd appreciate the opinions of local real estate professionals but also non-professionals who could offer the perspective of a potential buyer.

I'm wondering, out of curiosity, all things equal, what would be the better/easier sell: a home with 2 bedrooms and 2 baths or a home with 3 bedrooms and 1 bath?

For the sake of this discussion let's assume some things about the homes:

• The 3 bedroom/1 bath home has one large master bedroom and 2 smaller bedrooms with 1 average sized bathroom.
• The 2 bedroom/2 bath home has a large master suite with attached bathroom and generous closet space, and 1 average/medium-sized bedroom and un-attached bathroom.

Otherwise the level/quality of materials and finish throughout the home are identical. The homes are next door to each other and are the exact same size house and lot.

Just curious how that might play out in the real world.

[Riverdog]

Personally, I made a very similar choice when I bought last year (except the houses weren't next to each other, etc.). I went with the 2&2 instead of a 3&1.5. Not having to share a bathroom with guests was huge, and there are no kids to house, so. . .

I think it's going to be case by case, though. Depends on the buyer's needs.

[Charlesaf3]

Depends on location. 3 bd 1.5 would be better than either, you can squeeze a half bath I to a lot of nooks

[540_804]

Originally Posted by Charlesaf3

Depends on location. 3 bd 1.5 would be better than either, you can squeeze a half bath I to a lot of nooks

Yeah, I think I could easily squeeze a half bath (or even full bath) into my over-sized laundry/utility room, but it's on the other side of the house and you'd have to walk through the utility space (it's finished so it's not too bad) to access it (a minor inconvenience at the worst). The fact that there is plumbing and drainage already present would cut down on the costs (and difficulty) considerably.

That would make the house a 3/1.5 or 3/2.

But the idea of a master suite (with en suite bathroom and a fairly generous walk-in closet) is appealing as well.

[PickPatrick]

The area is key. The 2/2 would give an option of a room mate situation which be desirable especially for a first time home buyer.

[VA Yankee]

I would pick the 3/1, I think people place to much emphasis on "guests" which may or may not happen but a few times a year. Also a third BR is a flex option that can appeal to a broader market if being sold.

[brocco]

as a young and childless couple the 2/2 is more appealing. there is a little room should we pop out a kid in the next couple years, but we don't really need that third bedroom and probably won't for at least 10 years. i'd much rather not have to worry about waiting for the bathroom and i'd rather have a "guest" bathroom for when people are over so they don't have to be all up in my personal stuff

so overall i guess it would depend on the demographics. an area with a lot of families and children would be a better spot for the 3/1. downtown or nearby a 2/2 would probably be easier to sell