Hey, homeowners! Want to give your place a facelift and boost its worth? Well, forget the inside for a sec, and let's talk exterior upgrades. In fact, there is a lot you can do to preserve and even upgrade the actual house value. So, when you or your heirs decide to put the place on the market, it will be a valuable and competitive lot.
Today let's talk about why your property may and will devalue with time, how it may affect the asking process in the future, and what you can do today to secure tomorrow's price tag.
These things ruin the house value!
You work hard to maintain your humble abode, but did you know that certain factors could be silently sabotaging its value? From minor annoyances to major headaches, here are 5 things that can drag down the worth of your casita.
- Neglected Maintenance: Let's start with the basics: maintenance. Ignoring those little repairs can add up to big problems down the road. Leaky faucets, cracked tiles, and peeling paint may seem minor, but they signal to potential buyers that your home hasn't been properly cared for. Stay on top of those fixer-uppers to keep your home looking its best. Depending on the extent of the neglect, the house value could decrease by anywhere from a few percentage points to a significant portion of its overall worth.
- Outdated Features: Ah, the avocado green bathroom suite—charming, but not exactly a selling point. Outdated features like old appliances, shag carpeting, and popcorn ceilings can turn off buyers and make your home feel stuck in the past. Consider updating these relics to attract more modern-minded folks. The extent of the decrease will depend on the specific features and how outdated they are. In extreme cases, outdated features could lead to a decrease in value of 10% or more.
- Poor Curb Appeal: You know what they say—you never get a second chance to make a first impression. A lackluster exterior can leave potential buyers feeling overwhelmed before they even step inside. Overgrown bushes, cracked driveways, and peeling siding scream neglect. Spruce up your curb appeal to make a lasting impression. First impressions do matter, and a lackluster exterior can lead to a lower perceived house value. Improving curb appeal can have a positive impact on property value, while neglecting it could result in a decrease of up to 5% or more.
- Location Woes: Location, location, location—it's not just a real estate mantra; it's a crucial factor in your home's value. Whether it's noisy neighbors, a busy street, or being located in a flood-prone area, certain location-related issues can seriously impact your home's desirability. Unfortunately, you can't move your house, but you can be upfront about any drawbacks and focus on highlighting the positives. Properties located in undesirable areas or with major drawbacks (such as being in a flood-prone zone) may experience a decrease in value of 10% or more compared to similar properties in more desirable locations.
- Water Damage: Last but certainly not least, let's talk about water damage. Whether it's from leaky pipes, a faulty roof, or natural floods, water damage can wreak havoc on your home's value. Not only does it cause unsightly stains and structural issues, but it also raises concerns about mold and mildew. Investing in preventive measures like flood barriers is crucial, especially if you live in an area prone to flooding. Depending on the severity of the damage, the house value could decrease by 10% or more, and in severe cases, it could render the property virtually unsellable without significant repairs.
Here is how to turn a money pit into a valuable piece of property
Now let`s get to business. If you want to prevent your house from losing its value and even make it more attractive for perspective buyers than it has ever been, here are few tips that will help you.
Splash of Paint
Ever heard the saying "a fresh coat can do wonders"? It's true, especially for your home's exterior. Grab a paintbrush (or hire a pro) and slap on a new color. Go for something snazzy but not too out there. It'll make your house pop and catch the eyes of potential buyers. While it may not directly increase the appraised value, it can make the property more attractive to potential buyers, leading to a quicker sale and potentially higher offers. A well-done paint job can help preserve the existing house value by maintaining its aesthetic appeal.
Landscape Love
Time to get your hands dirty—in a good way. Spruce up your yard with some greenery. Plant some flowers, throw down some mulch, and trim those unruly bushes. A little landscaping goes a long way in boosting curb appeal.
Depending on the extent of the upgrades and the quality of the landscaping, it's not uncommon for landscaping improvements to add several thousand dollars to the value of a house.
Energy-Saving Swaps
Let's talk about saving some green—both the eco and the cash kind. Swap out old windows and doors for energy-efficient ones. They'll keep your home cozy and your bills lower. And hey, maybe think about solar panels or energy-smart appliances too.
While the immediate impact on the appraised house value may be modest, energy-efficient features can make the property more attractive to buyers who are looking for long-term cost savings on utility bills. Depending on the extent of the upgrades and the energy savings they provide, energy-efficient features can add several thousand dollars to the value of a house.
Light It Up
Don't let your house disappear into the dark once the sun sets. Add some cool outdoor lighting. It'll make your home look welcoming and keep burglars at bay. Plus, it'll show off all the hard work you put into your landscaping.
While the direct impact on the appraised house value may be minimal, well-designed outdoor lighting can make the property more appealing to potential buyers, potentially leading to higher offers and a quicker sale.
Protect Against Flooding
Now, let's talk serious stuff—flood barriers. With crazy weather on the rise, you have to protect your home from water damage. Flood barriers are like a fortress against rising waters. They'll save you from a soggy mess and keep your home's value afloat.
Investing in flood barriers isn't just about avoiding a disaster; it's about being smart. Show potential buyers that you've got their back and that your home is ready for anything Mother Nature throws its way.
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While the immediate impact on the appraised house value may be difficult to quantify, having flood protection in place can make the property more attractive to buyers, especially in flood-prone areas. In some cases, flood protection measures can add several thousand dollars to the house's value.
So there you have it, folks. Five easy upgrades to give your house value a boost. So grab a brush, hit the garden center, and get ready to make your neighbors jealous. Your home will thank you!
Don't wait until it's too late; contact Dam Easy Flood Barriers today for more information on how to protect your property from water damage, avoid losses caused by floods, and ensure that your house remains safe and sound in the face of flooding. Let us help you take proactive steps to safeguard your home and preserve its value for years to come.
