Pro's and Con's of a Split Level Home

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So you probably by now have heard people say” Oh… I live in a split level…. I bought a split level. Split levels are the worst. Whatever you do, don’t buy a split level…. And you were like… Oh yea totally!....

Well in this video im going to share with you what it actually is, how to recognize them and the pros and cons to buying a split level home… So if you have no idea what im talking about… then stay tuned!

Whats up guys, Tyler here the Real Estate guy in Omaha Nebraska helping you make better real estate decisions or in this case help you understand what the heck a split level is. Also if this is your first time here, thanks for watching! And if you're even thinking about buying a home Please reach out! I have people from all over calling, texting or emailing me and i absolutely love it! 

So the split level is a specific style of house and is one of the most economical built homes. It is usually in most parts of the country considered and entry level home or a beginners home. This is because it is usually lower in price than many of the other styles of homes. Obviously, depending on where you live will determine the price for one. Here in Omaha, Nebraska they range from 100k to about 215k brand new.

The unique feature of a split level is noticed right when you open the front door. Your presented with steps either leading up stairs to the main level or down stairs to the basement. There are some slight variations in styles depending on where you live but the same things rings true that if you want to go anywhere in the house you will first have to go up or down some stairs.

Now from the front of the house you can pick out these houses simply by looking at where the door is located in correlation to the upstairs and downstairs windows. A True Split level style home will have the door positioned right between the top and bottom windows… Making it easy to spot. If the doors are not between the windows then it is not a split level but maybe a multi-level, tri level, ranch, or 2 story home.

Ok so you now know what it is but should you buy one… This is a great questions so lets get into the pros and cons of buying a split level

Pros

• Very affordable, which usually allows buyers to get more updates and nicer finishes in a home compared to buying a “traditional Starter Home”

• Because they are affordable they typically have great resale value because they are on the low end of the price scale meaning there are more buyers looking for homes like these.

• Again because of there affordability if you desire to own a home that has never been lived in or just want to build a house… then this is the cheapest option to make that dream a reality

• Usually a mortgage on a split level home will be the same or close to what you would pay for renting a 3 bedroom house. Meaning you can now own a home instead of rent for the same price and start building equity in your home instead of making a rent payment which you will never see again!

Ok so lets look at the Cons. Now up front when a home owner of a split level decides to move and buy a new home… 85% of the time they do not want to buy a split level ever again and here is why… 

• Some Don’t like carrying groceries up 2 flights of steps to get to the kitchen

• Others Don’t like how small the basement is…. Split level garages are tucked under the house therefore taking way valuable living space in the basement

• An then many Don’t like how there home and literally all 300 of the other homes in the neighborhood are the exact same style and floor plan.

• In addition, Many don’t have walkout basements

• Garages barely fits 2 vehicles

• Only 2 spaces to entertain guests and they are relatively small.

• Does not have a mud room or drop zone

• And Laundry is in the basement

this style of home may or may not be a good fit for you depending on your budget but if you have never purchased a home before be sure to check out this video hear where it talk about the biggest mistakes to avoid when buying a home. Or if you want to take the next step and find out what all the costs would be in buying a home then check out this video right here.

Guys if this video was helpful, would you help me out and give me a big thumbs up and share the love!!! And subscribe to see some more awesome content on all things real estate! Thanks guys and I see you in the next video!

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