Jessica Bennett is the digital assistant home editor at Better Homes & Gardens. With a knack for writing and editing, she covers decorating, home improvement, cleaning, organizing, and more for BHG.com. With nearly five years of combined experience in digital and magazine journalism, she has contributed over 800 articles for BHG.com to date, and her writing on interior design and decorating has been featured in 16 national print magazines, including Do It Yourself, Country Home, Beautiful Kitchens & Baths, Secrets of Getting Organized, and more. Jessica received a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism and mass communication from Iowa State University. She also completed a secondary major in French language studies. Prior to graduation, she was inducted into the Kappa Tau Alpha honor society, which recognizes academic excellence in the field of journalism. She is currently pursuing an interior design certificate from the New York Institute of Art + Design.
A home's listing price depends on a wide variety of factors. The square footage, architectural features, and the number of bedrooms and bathrooms will all come into play. But the component with the biggest impact on price is the location. Whether a home is situated in a densely populated metropolis or a sparse rural area, on the coast or in the middle of the heartland, these characteristics are highly influential on the overall price.
To find out just how much geographical location factors into a house's value, we'll take you to three different homes across the country with similar listing prices. Each valued around $730,000, these houses showcase how your dream home might vary depending on where you live.
First up is a three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom home listed for $714,500 in Prescott, Arizona. Situated at the foot of the Bradshaw Mountains, the 2,557-square-foot house offers quick access to breathtaking landscapes and wildlife.
Inside, you'll find an open floor plan with sliding doors and large windows that offer views of the gorgeous scenery. Hardwood floors and a fireplace in the living room add warmth and character to the home, while five ceiling fans throughout keep the home cool in the Arizona heat.
The main living area opens to a dining area and a kitchen with a large island, stainless-steel appliances, and a white farmhouse-style sink. The side-by-side refrigerator and double wall ovens make for a well-equipped cooking space.
At the front of the house, you'll find a room enclosed by French doors that could work perfectly as a study, home gym, or playroom. The main bedroom offers large windows with mountain views and a door that leads out to the backyard patio. The ensuite bathroom features dual sinks and a roomy walk-in closet with built-in shelving. A second bedroom features an ensuite bathroom and plenty of closet space, while the third makes an ideal kids' room or a guest bedroom.
The backyard boasts a large patio that's perfect for entertaining and relaxing. Another key selling point is the stone firepit, where guests can gather around to watch the sun set over the mountains.
Our next listing takes us 2,000 miles eastward to Cramerton, North Carolina, where you'll find a three-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom ranch home. Located 30 minutes from downtown Charlotte, the house lies within a gated community with golf, tennis, and 24-hour security. The home was built in 2001, but its unique architectural features, including vaulted ceilings and arched recesses, give it a classic look.
Although it's priced about 12% higher than the previous listing, this sprawling 6,404 square-foot home is by far the largest on our list. Enter through the front door into a great room with a soaring ceiling, fireplace, and huge windows. Framing the fireplace, arched alcoves with built-in shelves offer storage and display space for keepsakes or framed photos.
The kitchen is equipped with granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances. An attached breakfast nook provides a sunny spot to sip your morning coffee. A separate wet bar provides a dedicated entertaining spot with built-in wine racks, glass-front cabinetry, and a prep sink.
The spacious main bedroom features an expansive ensuite bathroom, luxuriously equipped with an oversized drop-in bathtub, tiled shower, and walk-in closet. Across the hall, the home office is lined with both hidden and open shelving, which can hold an impressive library of books.
Upstairs, you'll find two more large bedrooms and two additional bathrooms. The two-level terrace at the back of the house provides an elegant spot to host al fresco dinners or large outdoor gatherings. Arched openings add Gothic appeal to the ground-level stone patio.
Our last stop is Des Moines, the capital city of Iowa, to tour a four-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bathroom townhome listed at $682,900. Walking in through the front door, you'll pass through a dining area that leads to a great room. Or you can turn into the front office, which features lots of light and closet space and could also function as a bedroom.
In the kitchen, amenities include a center island, all new appliances, and tons of cabinet space. An adjacent breakfast nook leads out a window-lined sunroom.
Also on the main floor, the main suite includes sliding mirror doors and a spacious spa-like bathroom. The tiled shower and whirlpool tub offer a spa-like experience, and there's plenty of countertop and storage space to keep you organized.
Upstairs, there are two more bedrooms, including one with a walk-in closet and an ensuite bathroom. Meanwhile, the walk-out lower level provides a hub for entertaining with a full kitchen and bar area and plenty of space for seating and game tables. A second laundry room and a fourth bedroom with a private bathroom are added bonuses that round out the 3,365-square-foot home.