Does a built in home theater system add much resale value to condo or home?

Question

I want to install a 7.1 channel speaker system in my condo. This would include 7 speakers mounted in the ceiling and a flat screen tv mounted on the wall. I want to know if this will increase the resale value of my condo very much in the midwest. Will the resale value increase the same or more than the amount I put into the system?

Answer 1

What will hold resale value is the sound system you put in.  Wall mounted speakers that are not obvious and in wall speaker wiring are huge bonuses.

A lot of people who built home theater setups into their home during the 90s and the early 2000s built them for the big boxy projection tvs which are slowly dying off and being replaced by flat LCDs (and to an extent Plasmas).  So the question is how big you go, when will you sell, and how much room will you leave to change.  It might increase value if you put an LCD in thats bigger than 55" and if you sell within the next 3-5 years (before 60" LCDs start selling for closer to $1,000).  Other than that, the size, style, and definition on tvs might change so much that a buyer will only see your home built setup as something they would need to take out or alter.  Thus making it somewhat of a negative to your home.

Also, the condo market in the midwest and west is often either young people or older people, so keep the buyer in mind.  Personally I would recommend installing the stereo system, with plenty of shelfing for other electronic hardware of various sizes, and leaving space for a new tv stand or a simple wall mount for your Flat Panel.  People who have speakers, but don't see them love them!  But don't forget, quality products in speakers, wiring, and receiver will be more appealing to a buyer than something that might make them think they will need to replace it.

Answer 2

In this dismal market, I would have to agree with lahn. It may not help much at appraisal time, but when there's 5 houses on your block for sale, and you have a nice theater, you have a leg up on the others. You might get a higher offer, you might be more likely to sell.

We completed a home automation system for a client that wanted to sell last spring. There were 12 homes for sale in their neighborhood the day they put theirs on the market. Two days later they had a decent offer and 3 days after that, they opened escrow. All the houses were nice, several had pools, only one was automated.

Answer 3

Every body loves to watch movies. If you don’t want to spend money on movie tickets to watch the latest films on the big screen, you can save and instead install a home theater. Looking at all the high-tech home theater systems available in the market today, it is very simple to build a movie theater, within your home.

You do need money to build a home theater but little careful planning, you can ensure your investment is worth it. If you are seriously thinking of building a home theater, you have to consider the following points.

Start by deciding if you will be converting an

Answer 4

Not at all

Answer 5

I think sales figures will show that you won't recoup a significant amount of money, but you will make your home more appealing to the next buyer.  Be careful to use well known equipment.  Buying esoteric stereo gear might give you satisfaction, but the next person may not know Mission but respects JBL and Pioneer.  If it helps your home move on the market, totally worth the investment.

Answer 6

It is not a feature that will bring in extra bucks but it is a nice selling point.  Updated kitchens and bathrooms are going to bring you extra $$$  Also why all the speakers in the ceiling????  Can't get accurate sound with them all aiming down...

Answer 7

You will not get more than what you pay for it for sure.

It is a personal taste issue.

Some elderly couple who can't hear well will most likely not care. A younger couple might think its the most excellent thing they have ever witnessed. All in all it won't effect the value much but may help it move. In a time when houses are sitting on the market for over a year anything which may help it move is a good idea. But remember not to spend too much money. And go with well known quality brands.

You have to weigh it out really.

Would you lower the price of your house by the amount of the system to get it sold quickly?

I would Include my appliances first.

I personally would not add a system if I was selling the house/condo.