Your Home Won't Sell Looking Like That
When we move into a new house, the last thing on our minds is resale value—we want to make it our own and add personal touches! The thing is, property value deserves some space in your mind because what you do (or don’t do) can cause big headaches down the road. Let’s dive into a few things that completely destroy property value and which rake in the offers.
1. Noisy Neighbors
There's not much you can do about the guy next door, but resale value depends on your neighbors, too. New parents may not want to move in next to someone who blasts music or owns a noisy motorcycle. Similarly, neighbors with poor landscaping can also deter buyers; their lazy landscaping can reflect the neighborhood, which puts you in the dog house come time to sell.
2. Poor Repairs
Shoddy roof work and DIY plumbing fixes won’t entice potential buyers. While some homeowners can tackle easier jobs, it's always safer to leave the big stuff to the professionals. Their work is especially important because they do long-lasting repairs that don't violate any codes or laws.
3. Proximity to Undesirable Locations
Homes near cemeteries, strip clubs, or bad schools aren’t as widely sought after by incoming buyers. In fact, being close to these kinds of locations often drops the value and can hurt you when it comes time to sell. There's not much you can do about it, but it's something you should consider for yourself when purchasing a home!
4. Strange Layouts
An odd archway here, a weird half wall there—most potential buyers overlook the little things, but a totally strange layout is less forgivable. People prefer well-designed plans to non-functional spaces or bizarre room sizes. If you have a little extra in the budget, you can always convert rooms or make them into separate spaces.
5. Poor Natural Lighting
Inadequate lighting can make your home much harder to sell, and it’s not hard to see why (pun intended). Small windows block natural light and are far less inviting. To make matters worse, they can even make spaces appear smaller. It's pretty hard to encourage buyers when they're staring into a dungeon.
6. Outdated HVAC Systems
No one, including you, should have to deal with outdated HVACs. Poor circulation is dangerous, expensive to maintain, and simply inefficient. Not to mention, you’ll have a heck of a time with resale value. It's no fun spending thousands on a new system, but it more than pays for itself.
7. Weird Odors
Unpleasant odors like cat urine or cigarette smoke deter potential buyers—but they also alert them to potential problems. Musty scents can sometimes be the result of poor maintenance or mold issues, which are even bigger red flags. Give your home a once-over before you host that open house.
8. Outdated Spaces
Kitchen and bathroom renovations are always hot ticket items with potential buyers. Property value can skyrocket with upgraded spaces. You don't need to redo the whole floor plan, either; new cabinets and a fresh coat of paint can entice homeowners. Don't be afraid to grab your rollers!
9. Too Much Personality
There’s no shame in painting your bathroom bubblegum pink…just don’t be surprised if the offers stop. The reality is that too much personality deters potential buyers. Most newcomers just want a neutral space they can make their own, so a fresh coat of beige is in order.
10. Inadequate Storage
A lack of closet space or cabinets can be a big drawback. Property value decreases without ample storage, but the good news is that you can always add affordable options on your own. Bookshelves, wicker baskets, and simple storage benches can all do wonders.
Selling your home can feel like a gargantuan task. There's a laundry list of repairs and upgrades, and it eventually feels like you're spending more than it's worth. Don't worry—we have a few ways to ensure you a well-earned offer.
1. Location
Location, location, location! You can’t really control where your home is, but its value skyrockets when you’re near amenities like grocery stores and good schools. On the other hand, areas with expansion plans might not be as desirable due to incoming traffic or noise. It's all worth discussing your real estate agent.
2. Landscaping
You don’t need to have a picturesque garden, but you shouldn’t abandon yard work either. Home value increases with frequent lawn maintenance, tended plants, and shorn shrubs. Resale value plummets if your front yard looks like a jungle.
3. Front Door
The front door is one of the first things people see, which is why it’s so important. Sleek, neutral colors often look (and do) best whereas louder ones actually lower a home’s value. Don't go hog wild the paint samples; basic tones work great on any newcomer.
4. Paint Jobs
While we’re on the topic, a fresh coat of interior paint does wonders. Neutral colors give your home a modern flare, but they also act as a blank canvas for potential buyers. Soft pallets allow them to envision their own decor, so stick with muted tones like beige, white, and cream.
5. Energy Efficiency
We all want to save money, and a good way to do that is with energy-efficient features. Double-paned windows, solar panels, and green appliances can nab you higher prices because they often mean lower utility costs. They’re also sought after by today’s eco-friendly buyers.
6. Renovations
The right renovation can make or break property value. Most homeowners gravitate towards upgraded bathrooms and kitchens, but you don't need to spend your life savings on a reno. Simple tweaks like new flooring or a kitchen island installation can attract multiple offers. Even new light fixtures can transform a room!
7. Privacy Features
No one wants to walk into their neighbor's backyard. Popular privacy features, like fences or strategic landscaping, always go over well. Regardless of how long you’re in your home, a little privacy is always a worthwhile investment.
8. Updated Amenities
Upgrades are so much more than a coats of paint—new and improved HVAC systems, indestructible plumbing, and new roofs score higher offers. Even if you’re not planning to sell, keeping these features in tip-top shape ensures your safety, too.
9. A Finished Basement
It’s easier said than done to remodel a basement, but finished spaces do better with potential buyers. When newcomers don’t have to worry about eating that cost themselves, your space suddenly looks more appealing. If you’re really looking to increase the value, consider adding a bathroom down there, too.
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10. Garage Space
Speaking of finished spaces, an easier one to tackle is the garage. If you already have one, finished garages increase home value by potentially tens of thousands of dollars. Unfortunately, they’re also expensive to build, so adding one for the sake of value isn’t always the smartest move.
