Should You Buy A Single Or Multi-Level Home?

By Fran Campbell - March 15, 2016

As you prepare to buy a house at the Lake of the Ozarks, you have a lot of important decisions to make. How many bedrooms/bathrooms do you need? What are your requirements for yard space? Do you want an inland or a waterfront home? Where do you want your home to be located? The list goes on and on.

The number of levels you want your home to have is another important thing to consider. Multi-level and single-level homes each have unique advantages, and it's up to you to determine which will best meet your lifestyles. Here are a few things to consider as you make this decision.

Lot Size
Because they have to fit all of their square footage into one level, single-level homes are typically much more sprawling than their multi-level counterparts. As a result, more of the lot space is typically taken up with the house itself, leaving less leftover for yard. If expansive yard space is a priority for you, this will be something important for you to keep in mind.

Stairs

If you've never thought about it before, now is the time to do a little soul-searching to discover how you feel about stairs. If you have elderly members in your family who may have trouble navigating stairs (or if you plan to live in your home long enough that you may become elderly in it yourself), you may wish to consider a single-level home. Stairs can also pose potential hazards for young children. If you decide to purchase a multi-level home, make sure your family members will be able to navigate the stairs - or that you have plans in place to members in need if it becomes necessary.

Sound Travel
The way sound travels through a home is another aspect worth considering. From one end of a sprawling single-level home, it may be very difficult to hear what is happening on the other side of the house. In a more a compact multi-level home, on the other hand, sound can easily travel between the different stories. If a bedroom is located above the family room, for example, it may be hard for someone to sleep while someone else is downstairs watching television.

Security
While certain areas (like the Lake of the Ozarks) have significantly lower crime rates than others, safety is always a top concern for every family moving into a new home. Multi-level homes sometimes offer a greater sense of security, since bedrooms can be located up off of the ground. This can be especially advantageous for families who like to keep their windows open throughout the day or at night.

Single OR Multi-Level, Fran Campbell Team Can Help You Find The Home For You!
If you are ready to begin house hunting at the Lake of the Ozarks, don't hesitate to reach out to someone at Fran Campbell Team. Our experienced Lake of the Ozarks REALTORS® will listen closely to your needs to help you find the home that will best meet your needs. Visit our website to learn more about relocating to the Lake of the Ozarks.

Contact the Fran Campbell Team to schedule a showing!