Selling any home is a challenge, but split-level homes are unique. Their dated appearance and layouts can be undesirable to modern homebuyers who don’t see the potential in these types of homes. With the right help, split-level homes can be an affordable way for homebuyers to achieve their dream home.
Learn more about split-level homes, why they’re hard to sell and how you can quickly sell your split-level house without the hassle.
What Is a Split-Level House?
Split-level homes, also called bi-level houses, are homes with multiple floors connected by a flight of stairs. These homes often share similar features, including:
- Spacious living areas.
- Multiple attics.
- Integrated garages.
- Low-pitched roofs.
- Double-hung windows.
Split-level homes often offer a bedroom on multiple levels, making it an ideal option for multigenerational families. You can also rent out the additional rooms to make a passive income or provide a space for one of your friends or family members. The split between the floors helps individuals keep the peace.
When Were Split-Level Houses Popular?
Split-level homes began their rise to popularity in the 1950s when they started to pop up in American suburbs. These homes reached their peak popularity in the 60s before other types of homes began to overtake their favor. Many people wanted split-level homes for their various benefits, which include:
- Large homes and yard space: Split-level homes allow individuals to live in ample space without taking up as much space in the yard. These homes were perfect for growing families, allowing room for multiple family members while maintaining outdoor areas for play or relaxing. More space could be utilized in split-level homes, making them a popular choice back in the day.
- Quiet and private living: Split-level homes are ideal for individuals who want to retain their privacy. The separated rooms make it quiet at night or if you work from home. If you choose to rent your extra spaces, it also helps you keep an identifiable boundary between you and the individual renting from you.
- Affordability: Split-level homes are excellent for starting families since they tend to be more affordable than other homes of the same size. You can utilize the space for your growing family at an affordable price, meaning you can save more money for unforeseen expenses or future planning.
- Multigenerational or rental living: The design of split-level homes allows you to live with family members from different generations, such as an older parent that needs your care. You can also rent out the extra rooms and still retain your privacy, allowing you to make a passive income.
Since the 60s, split-level homes have dropped out of popularity, but they can still benefit many families. You still have options if you’re trying to sell your split-level home.
Why Do Split-Level Homes Not Sell as Quickly?
Selling any home in a competitive market can be challenging, but split-level homes tend to sell more slowly than other homes. There are a few reasons that split-level houses are hard to sell, including:
- Multiple staircases: Split-level homes utilize multiple staircases to help people get from one level to the next, taking up a significant amount of space and requiring homeowners to climb these stairs constantly. This setup can make the home feel congested, and many potential homebuyers don’t like this design. Instead, they may want something with a more open floor plan and easy mobility.
- Awkward floor plans: The layout of some split-level homes can be cramped, making it difficult for individuals with restricted mobility or disabilities to get around. Older parents, young children or other individuals may avoid split-level homes in their search for a new house simply due to the floor plans in these properties.
- Less natural light: The separated and sometimes awkward layout of split-level homes makes it hard to let in natural light, which can dissuade individuals from making an offer on your home. Some split-level homes only have small windows, with none in hallways or living areas. Many people seek out homes with open floor plans so they can let natural light illuminate their space during the day, making a split-level home unappealing to modern homebuyers.
- Challenging remodels: Due to the layout of split-level homes, they can be challenging to renovate, which may be unappealing to homebuyers who want to put a unique spin on their new home and increase their value. If you’re trying to sell your split-level home, finding homebuyers who are fine with the existing layout can take some time. Split-level homes were designed with a predetermined layout, such as the kitchen and entertainment area on the first floor and bedrooms on the second. An individual wouldn’t be able to make radical changes without completely overhauling the home.
- Lack of curb appeal: Split-level homes come from a different time and often look boxy and dated. Judging the house from its outside appearance can immediately dissuade potential homebuyers from taking a deeper look. Even a split-level home in excellent condition can be overlooked by buyers in favor of something more modern.
How Can I Quickly Sell My Split-Level Home?
If you’re trying to sell your split-level home but have been having trouble, you can do a few things to make your property more appealing to homebuyers. Follow these tips to improve your split-level home and attract buyers:
- Reassure interested buyers: Homebuyers may be discouraged seeing the multiple staircases, but you can reassure them by reminding them that other two-story homes will have more stairs per staircase. Staircases in a split-level home are often shorter since the houses are smaller, meaning you’ll climb fewer stairs than you would in a new two-story home. Fewer stairs to climb are ideal for individuals with a disability or older adults.
- Play to your home’s strengths: While split-level homes have some drawbacks, there are also substantial benefits. For example, split-level homes can offer more privacy to individuals due to the layout of the different rooms. The space can provide quiet living for homebuyers sharing the house with multiple people. When a homebuyer expresses interest in your property, ensure to tout all the benefits split-level homes offer.
- Make upgrades: You can modernize your home and make it more appealing to buyers by making a few upgrades or renovating certain rooms. For example, you could add more windows to bring in natural light, which would appeal to the modern homebuyer. You can also stage the home to show homebuyers the modern potential or demonstrate how they can let their creativity shine in a split-level home, which encourages them to take remodeling into their own hands after buying.
While there’s a lot you can do to stage and sell your home to interested buyers, it can take a considerable amount of time and effort, and it isn’t always guaranteed to work in the existing market.
If you’re trying to sell your home quickly, consider selling to a professional home buyer. These companies will buy your split-level home as-is, meaning you don’t have to worry about renovations or upgrades.
They’ll assess your home for its value and calculate an offer price. If you accept, you can close the deal in as little as seven days, allowing you to move as soon as you’re ready. Selling to a professional home buyer can relieve the stress of making costly renovations and staging the home.
Get an Offer on Your Split-Level House As-Is
HomeGo is a professional home buyer that can help you move out of your split-level home as soon as possible. You won’t have to worry about making upgrades or renovations before we come in to assess your home. Our experience in the real estate industry helps us see the potential in every property, and we’ll handle all the heavy lifting after the deal closes.
We can also give you an offer for your home on the spot, and you can rest assured that our offer is transparent and accurate to your home’s value. Once you accept the offer, we can help you close the deal in just seven days. If you’re ready to sell your split-level home, schedule a walkthrough or contact us today to learn more.
