Many homeowners are on the lookout for cost-effective strategies to raise their property’s value. You can do many things to increase the value of your home, such as renovating the kitchen or having a well-kept garden. While there are numerous things that can attract purchasers to your home, there are just as many things that can turn off potential buyers and drive down your property value. These are the things to avoid if you want to maintain your home’s value when you’re trying to sell your home or find a new one.
Having the wrong plants in your yard
During the lockdown, many homeowners worked in their backyards, but adding the wrong plants to your property can lower its value. Always ask for help when planting trees, for example. Some species have small root bases, while the roots of others can reach farther than the tree’s height. These roots can damage drains, driveways, and even the foundation of the house, which can be expensive to fix. Issues like this are why it’s always best to get advice from experts such as MasterScapes Lawn Care and Landscaping.
Out of date design choices
All of us have our preferences, but some people really do have “unique” tastes, and these ideas, especially if they are particularly outdated, can really have an impact on your property’s value. It’s far better to invest in a timeless look that no one will be worried about, including your potential buyers.
Some people don’t want to buy a house and then have to spend more money to change the out-of-date finishes and your personal preferences. Therefore, if you want to sell your home, make some changes to ensure your interior look is much more classic. Use neutral colors and update anything that looks particularly old-fashioned. This will cost you money, but since it adds value to the property (and may help to sell the house more quickly), it’s a worthwhile.
Not getting permission for improvements
When it comes time to sell your home, illegal additions and changes can have a big effect on the price. Also, any ongoing legal problems will fall on the new owners, which is something no one wants to deal with when they move.
The new owners will find out if you did something illegally during the selling process, and in most cases, this will prevent the sale from taking place at all. Even if you could still sell, you would probably have to take a lower offer.
Remember that if you intend to do anything to your home, check whether you need permits first, and if you do, make sure you get them before you start any work.
Plus, it’s also a good idea to make sure those changes are going to add value anyway. Sometimes they don’t. Taking away a bedroom or converting a garage into something else can have a detrimental effect on your property price, for example, even if it’s done very well and it’s all above board.
Marette Flora is the founder of Floradise blog and personalized gift shop. Marette is a passionate storyteller and creator. She attended the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University and obtained a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication.
She is passionate about creating helpful and meaningful things.