We all know the old adage, "Don't judge a book by its cover," but the same does not hold true with home buying.  The exterior of the home is very important to consider when buying.  Different materials take different upkeep and expense down the road. So look a little deeper than attractiveness when buying a home.

Here are a few types of exteriors and the pros and cons for each, as detailed by the National Association of REALTORS®:

1.  Stucco Exterior:  It's composed of cement, water, and materials such as sand and lime. Many homes built after the 1950s use a lighter synthetic material that resembles stucco. To tell whether the home is made of genuine stucco, tap the walls: If you hear a solid sound, it's likely real.

• Pros: Durable, fire-resistant, and a good insulator. Rarely needs to be repainted; works best in dry climates.
• Cons: Not ideal for wet climates; some forms of synthetic stucco have been associated with moisture problems.

2.  Brick Exterior:  Is a favorite among homeowners for its low maintenance.

• Pros: Tough, durable, and low-maintenance; doesn't rot or fade.
• Cons: Expensive due to the high cost of materials and installation.

3.  Stone and Cultured Stone Exterior: Made of actual rocks or stones, this is known for being able to withstand extreme weather conditions, but their extra durability can come at an increased cost. Stone veneers can be one way to cut costs and still achieve the high-end look. Stones used on homes are often used as an accent and to add depth in highlighting one wall or section of the exterior.

• Pros: Known as the most durable of all building materials, it can withstand severe weather. Low maintenance.
• Cons: Very expensive.

4.  Wood Clapboard Siding: Often seen on historic homes, this is one of the oldest types of siding.

• Pro: A renewable material known to be energy-efficient. Can be painted nearly any color.
• Con: High maintenance, requiring repainting about every seven years or so; regularly needs to be power-washed, stained, and sealed. Also requires caulking to prevent water damage. Can be susceptible to rot and termites.

5.   Cement Fiber Siding:  One of the latest developments in residential siding, cement fiber siding is known as a "green" material and can be made from recyclable materials.

• Pros: More durable than wood or stucco; low maintenance, fire-proof, and water-resistant. Won't rot or be prone to insect damage.
• Cons: Requires painting (but not for at least 10-15 years) and could potentially hold moisture if it isn't painted correctly. It is also a very heavy material that needs significant structural support.

6.  Vinyl Siding:  Most widely used and most affordable option for siding.

• Pros: Doesn't require painting; can withstand many weather extremes.
• Cons: Siding could warp or buckle if not properly installed; any damage will require the entire panel to be replaced. Sometimes traps moisture, which can lead to mildew.

7.  Cedar Shingle or Shake Siding: 

• Pros: Can last up to 30 years; doesn't buckle or curl.
• Cons: Often viewed as high-maintenance since shingles need treatment about every five years to prevent rot or mildew; not the best choice for regions where fires are more common.

So, at the risk of sounding like another version of "The Three Little Pigs", the exterior materials do make a difference in your home.  Will you be able to keep the "wolf" away by keeping up with the maintenance on your home?

Read the full article at REALTOR.org

Photo Source: Wikipedia

Posted in Buyer Resources, Real Estate Trends

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