No one can tell you an answer to this with ANY certainty....first of all, how good of a deal you get now is important later. The market changes rapidly. Credit, rates, all very uncertain 3 years from now. My advice if you are going to seel for sure in 3 years and you want to buy....spend as little as possible to obtain what works for you. Focus on location. Focus on something that does not need work unless you can do it or have the experience. Lower taxes, low fees, functional home with no significant defects or surprises. Good luck in your search.

There are some variables to your question... Both should increase in value in the next 3 years compared to todays value. The condition of the house will affect its rise in value. For maximum increase in value a home should have a newer roof, heating system, windows and a better than average interior condition. A condominium is more than just a home, it is a lifestyle, free of lawn care, snow removal and exterior maintenance, so the people a condo appeals to will differ from those who seek a single family home. You also need to consider what will be a better fit for your family for the next 3 years. Good luck with your purchase.

Hi Pucca,

You ask, "Which one is easier for resell in 3 years in Lebanon, NH: a new condo (brand new right now) or a similar size single family old house (built in 1980 or earlier)? We are looking to buy a house or a condo and want to resell after 3 years when we leave."

You ask an interesting multiple-choice question. Just remember nobody can tell what's happening in real estate in one year, never mind three years from now. But OK, here goes...

A new condo, well built in an appealing area and properly managed, without huge condo fees PROBABLY will gain some value over 36 months. A used house in good condition in a nice area also should increase in value. So my answer is they will both grow, so which one do you want to live in? (Your buyers will also ask that question of themselves).

If the current administration jiggles our tax structure and jiggles the bogus "give backs and freebies" that they are presently offering first time homebuyers, then the traditional benchmarks that we use to determine real estate value will be useless. If Mr Obama chooses to devalue the dollar more than he already has, either property you pick will be worth much more money in 3 years (because money will be worth less) but fewer people will have enough money to buy your home so you may have a 1/2 million dollar home that only people who invested in real estate or gold could afford.

All the more reason to buy the residence you like best. Remember this is your home, NOT an investment, so pick the one that best suits your family, live in it, enjoy it, and in 3 years if you choose to sell it, fine--sell it then. Make investments in other things than your principle residence. This is a key to family happiness, if you can learn this RULE OF HAPPINESS from me right now you will have a happier life than if you learn this RULE just after an expensive divorce.

Good luck,

Dane Hahn
NH Broker