1) Accuracy and Appreciation- An architect can evaluate your home from the strongest possible foundation: its unique design and spatial offerings, and is likely to approach the evaluation of your needs differently than most agents. Their fluency in the flexibility of design may allow them to find a better fit and offer alternative suggestions on programming, home size, and location if you are interested in exploring such ideas.
In a tight or limited market, an architect can help clients evaluate more options that may not be the exact size or spatial configuration that you’re looking for. If the price is right and you need to update, reconfigure or expand, an architect can give you reliable and actionable advice to help you make a decision. This is especially useful when you are looking for strategies to add value to a piece of real estate.
2) Identify Contextual Value- An ancillary ability to see potential increase in value due to style, zoning, historic status, the ability to expand, and a strong knowledge of the local technical requirements that surround a piece of real estate.
3) Identify Immediate Potential- Preliminary evaluation of alternative uses and configurations that other buyers may value can be a huge selling point. An architect will be able to identify conversion opportunities and do so with greater certainty than the typical real estate agent. Architects also know that cyclical design trends can have a tremendous impact on aesthetic longevity and eventual resale value. Granite countertops are not always the best option.
4) Industry Perspective- An Architect can more easily step back to take an objective view of the construction industry and take a broader view of the real estate industry itself.
5) Network Access- An architect will already have a working knowledge of the local design/ build network in case you need to get anything bid or completed prior to the sale.
7) Insights on local Development – An architect has an acute awareness of the surrounding development environment. What projects are happening around the city that are primary drivers of appreciation? Leverage the architect’s extensive knowledge of the construction and development in the area and surrounding communities. There are many factors that can have a huge impact on the trajectory of property values and the architect can identify these patterns.
8) Awareness of Local Code Environment- An architect will be sensitive to changes in the local regulatory environment that could promote or stagnate development in a given area. Architects are familiar with the local building codes and the potential shortcomings of a property you are considering for purchase. This information can be used for direct leverage in negotiations that may result in a tangible reduction of the sales price. The more information that you know about a subject property, the more likely you will be to get the best deal.
9) Mitigate Physical Risks- you want to minimize the risks as much as possible. An architect can offer an additional set of eyes on many issues that could result in unforeseen future costs. They will have a heightened awareness of potential construction deficiencies and will be able to identify future maintenance issues. They will also be able to provide insights and evaluation on the building site, topography, drainage, floodplain, and exposure issues.
Helpful links for relocating to Connecticut from New York and New Jersey
A helpful article on the pros and cons of moving, relocating or investing in Connecticut (ranked one of the best states for home ownership).