Bathtub vs. Shower: Real Estate Experts Weigh In on Home Value

Homeowners contemplating renovations often grapple with the impact of their choices on future resale value. A common question arises: Is it better to have a bathtub or a shower stall in a bathroom? A recent inquiry posed to real estate expert Steve Meyers provides insights into this dilemma.

Meyers advises against worrying too much about removing a bathtub in favor of a shower stall. He emphasizes that if the conversion enhances the homeowner’s enjoyment and accessibility, it is a sensible decision. Should future buyers prefer a bathtub, Meyers suggests that reinstating it or offering an allowance for the buyer could mitigate potential issues.

Importance of Dryer Venting in Home Maintenance

Beyond bathroom considerations, maintaining home safety is vital. Meyers expresses concern regarding dryer venting, a sometimes overlooked aspect of home appliances. He notes that he frequently inspects dryer ducting, which can vary in material from flexible to rigid types.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), an alarming average of 13,820 home structure fires occurred annually from 2014 to 2018 due to dryer ignition. These incidents resulted in approximately seven civilian deaths and $233 million in direct property damage each year.

Meyers highlights that flexible and semi-rigid ducts are more likely to trap lint, which can ignite if a dryer malfunctions. In contrast, rigid sheet metal ducts are less prone to lint buildup. He advises homeowners to regularly clean both the ductwork and the dryer itself. Notably, the NFPA reports that a third of dryer fires stem from a failure to maintain cleanliness.

Real Estate Market Update for September 2023

Shifting focus to the housing market, Meyers provides an update for Macomb County and Oakland County in Michigan. In September 2023, the average sales price in Macomb County saw an increase of nearly 5%, while Oakland County experienced a rise of more than 5%.

Despite these price increases, the on-market inventory in Macomb County remained unchanged at 0%, while Oakland County’s inventory increased by over 5%. The average days on the market for homes was 29 days in Macomb County and 25 days in Oakland County. Closed sales also rose, with Macomb County seeing an increase of over 2% and Oakland County reporting a rise of over 4%.

According to historical definitions from the National Association of Realtors, a balanced market exists when there is a six-month supply of inventory. Currently, Michigan’s overall inventory stands at 2.8 months, with Macomb County at 2.4 months and Oakland County at 2.5 months. These figures indicate that the market remains firmly in favor of sellers.

For further inquiries, Steve Meyers is available for consultation through Realty Executives Home Towne in Shelby Township. He can be reached at 586-997-5480 or via email at [email protected]. More information can also be found on his website, AnswersToRealEstateQuestions.com.