we're (ONG and i) are in the same boat.
keep in mind.. brand new homes value can go down how?
- didn't take a very good care of home (this is why many used homes are cheap because the owners back then didn't take good care, cleaning, etc.)
-neighboors changed having neighboors don't take care of their homes, bad kids, careless familes, poor care of their outside and lawn will make ur house be similar to that draws lower value of home because house hunters want a good neighboorhood also a friendly one.
- if the city changes for example.. build a railroad nearby, build a new highway nearby, etc.. will pull down the value of ur home due to noise level are higher.
again the postive note of brand new home for its value to go up.
-if the neigboorhood is in same friendly, clean shape the home value will go up
-less repairs yet.. still need to take good care.. see a small problem fix it right away before it gets worse for example bug entered ur home from outide hanging from ur shirt, shoes.. other example close the window if it starts to rain..
- maintain control of huminity of indoors.. high humidity will make ur home moggy.. may increase mold or similar fungus problem will hurt ur home. dry home will also cause problem so having normal humidity level makes ur home in right shape.
- clean and make ur lawn beauty.. makes other neighboors happy and show impressions.
even doing nothing to improve ur home and keeping it in good shape of brand new home.. within 5 years its possible to have a big profit when u sell. other side its hard to predict what will happen. for example.. will the neighboors be the same ex( beautiful quiet neighboor, friendly, well care of homes around) will the area be the same? for example.. no addiations that makes the value goes down like railroad, race track, expanded highway, new highway right by ur home, etc..
its like gambling
again for used home.. postive things can happen too.. also negative things can happen.. for MN law.. all sellers of the house MUST report any problems in ur home and what is known is a problem or know what the problem will soon be.
so buyers will not expect surprised or spam.
i don't know about ur area laws.. suggust look them up.. and again home inspections helps
repairing used home can cost money but u might not or will get profit it varies.
sorry for the long post.. thats what i'm learning towards purshing a home.