Begin With the Current Starwood Market

Before comparing two specific homes, understand the alternatives available to buyers today.

Current inventory provides context for:

• Asking prices
• Renovation levels
• Property condition
• Lot characteristics
• Privacy
• Pool and outdoor living
• Market time
• Price changes

The two homes you are considering should also be compared with other properties competing for the same buyer.

Do Not Compare Asking Price Alone

The lower-priced home is not necessarily the better value.

A meaningful comparison may include:

• Current asking price
• Original asking price
• Price-change history
• Relevant comparable sales
• Current competing listings
• Property condition
• Renovation requirements
• Major-system condition

A more expensive home may represent the stronger purchase when it provides meaningful advantages that would be difficult or expensive to recreate.

Compare the Lots Before Comparing the Finishes

Interior finishes can usually be changed. Lot position cannot.

• Interior versus perimeter location
• Cul-de-sac positioning
• Traffic exposure
• Lot orientation
• Neighboring properties
• Mature landscaping
• Backyard exposure
• Noise
• Usable yard space

A dated home on the superior lot may provide a stronger long-term opportunity than an extensively updated home with a location you may eventually regret.

Compare Privacy Carefully

Privacy can be particularly important in a luxury property with substantial windows, a pool, or extensive outdoor living.

• Distance from neighboring homes
• Second-story sightlines
• Window exposure
• Landscape screening
• Pool visibility
• Outdoor-living visibility
• Traffic behind or beside the property

Privacy can sometimes be improved through landscaping, but fundamental lot relationships usually cannot be completely changed.

Compare Architecture and Construction Quality

Starwood contains custom homes with different architectural styles, materials, layouts, and renovation histories.

• Architectural character
• Exterior materials
• Construction quality
• Ceiling heights
• Window placement
• Natural light
• Exterior condition
• Quality of additions or modifications

The stronger property should work architecturally as a complete home rather than simply contain a collection of attractive upgrades.

Square footage does not tell you how effectively the home uses its space.

• Primary-suite location
• Guest-bedroom arrangement
• Home-office space
• Kitchen location
• Living-area relationships
• Natural light
• Game and media spaces
• Storage
• Laundry location
• Garage access
• Indoor-outdoor flow

A smaller home with a superior layout may function substantially better than a larger property containing underused or awkward spaces.

Compare Renovation Quality, Not Just Renovation Quantity

Two homes described as updated may have very different levels of workmanship and investment.

• Kitchen cabinetry
• Countertops
• Appliances
• Bathroom renovations
• Flooring
• Lighting
• Plumbing fixtures
• Millwork
• Design consistency
• Quality of structural modifications

Buyers should also determine whether improvements are primarily cosmetic or whether major systems and underlying property conditions have been addressed.

Compare the Condition Behind the Finishes

A newly renovated interior can make one property appear substantially better during a showing, but major systems may tell a different story.

Compare the age and condition of:

• Roof
• HVAC systems
• Windows
• Water heaters
• Plumbing
• Electrical components
• Foundation
• Drainage
• Irrigation
• Exterior materials

Future ownership costs should be part of the comparison.

Use Inspections to Refine the Comparison

A professional inspection can provide information that photographs and showings cannot.

Inspection findings may help buyers understand:

• Deferred maintenance
• Major-system condition
• Potential repair costs
• Pool condition
• Drainage
• Roof concerns
• Structural observations

When appropriate, additional specialist evaluations can provide more detailed information before important contractual deadlines expire.

Learn More About Home Inspections

Compare Pools and Outdoor Living as Complete Environments

Do not simply compare whether each property has a pool.

• Pool condition
• Surface
• Tile and coping
• Equipment
• Spa
• Privacy
• Covered living
• Outdoor kitchen
• Landscaping
• Usable lawn
• Indoor-outdoor flow

A smaller but private and well-maintained outdoor environment may be more desirable than a larger pool requiring significant work.

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