Issue 17
Q: I have heard it mentioned that if we are listing a home in an city or UGA that has adopted all of HB 1337 that we should go ahead and include information in the listing that there is potential to develop an ADU or even two. But if ALL the homes in the area have this potential, is that development potential really worth anything?
A: What a great question! I have a few thoughts, but overall, it depends on a few things:
- What is going on in the neighborhood?
- Does developing an ADU make sense for that particular property?
- What does the buyer pool(s) want?
Let's break this down, but first, have you had a chance to watch this video below? It's a really good overview for real estate agents - everyone should watch! It is an hour - so grab a cup of coffee and something to take notes, or at least open this up on a separate tab now as a reminder to watch later!
10 Things Real Estate Agents Need to Know About Middle Housing
-FREE VIDEO -
Click below to watch now!
https://www.middlehousinghelp.com/10-things-agents-need-to-know-about-adus-and-middle-housing
WHAT IS GOING ON IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD?
Is the neighborhood seeing much more development such as older homes are coming down and being replaced by large homes or townhomes? Is this an area by a hospital or college that would benefit from denser housing and additional rental options?
If the neighborhood is seeing a lot of development, the house you are selling isn't in great shape, and the area is zoned for denser development (such as HB 1110 zoning if applicable, multi-family or other similar zoning if it doesn't), then there may be something other than an ADU in this property's future. Instead of marketing as ADU potential, I would indicate that the area is prime for additional development and NOT lead with the ADU potential.
However, if the character of the neighborhood is maintaining residential and you are starting to see a smattering of ADUs, then it makes sense for the neighborhood and if everything else checks out, include that development potential.
DOES DEVELOPING AN ADU MAKE SENSE FOR THAT PARTICULAR PROPERTY?
Let's take a look at the example properties below and evaluate for ADU potential just based on the size of the lot and the footprint of the existing house.
