Property Value Heading South? 10 Issues Hurting Your Home’s Worth

 Property values increase or decrease due to various factors, and you as a homeowner must familiarize yourself with them. If you are looking to sell your property in a few years, you may want to maintain certain practices that ensure your property is worth top dollar even after a few years. Some factors like interest rates and market conditions are not within your control, while others are more or less your responsibility. Are you worried that your home’s worth is declining? Take a look at the following factors to find out more about JerseyGrownHomes and how to maintain or increase your home value.

Unnecessary Upgrades

Upgrades and renovations are meant to increase home appearance and value. However, poor judgment can turn this around very quickly. That is why you need to consult with a professional before making any changes around the house. You may feel like you need these new features in your home, but are they worth risking a significant downturn on your home’s value?

For instance, including a backyard pool in an area with a dominant cooler climate just puts a large figure on a home that will be less desirable to locals. This also applies to replacing a bathroom or closet with a larger bedroom. Such a renovation is bound to cost you several thousand bucks, but it won’t make buyers like it any better. Instead, consider necessary upgrades such as replacing your windows, adding insulation, and installing a new roof. These upgrades improve the safety and efficiency of your home, making it even more appealing to potential buyers.

Offensive Smells

Most homeowners have no idea their home smells until a guest points it out. However, if you spend a long time outdoors and re-enter your house, you are bound to pick up on any lingering unpleasant smells. The last thing you want is to upset or drive away a potential home buyer because your home smells of mold, pet odor, or cigarette smoke. Some smells even come from blocked kitchen and shower drains or wastewater puddles in the compound.

Investigate what is causing the smells in your home and get rid of it. We recommend keeping your home clean instead of masking the smell with fragrance or perfume. Dust and vacuum our home regularly, clean your bathroom and kitchen and wipe down all surfaces around the house. If the stench persists, it might be best to ask a plumber to have a look at your sink drains.

Too Much Clutter

You are bound to accumulate tons of belongings over the years you and your family have lived in your home. Now it’s time to list your home for sale, and quite frankly, clutter can be a deal-breaker. You may not even realize it, but the things crowding your rooms make them appear way smaller and overcrowded. Keep all these personal items out of sight, or donate the ones you no longer need to keep your home looking spacious.

Can you believe you can add value to your home just by getting rid of clutter? You do not have to part with a dime unless you choose to rent additional storage space elsewhere. If you have no idea where to start, you could hire a professional organizer. Getting rid of old and unwanted appliances and furniture allows buyers to see all the amazing interior aspects of your home.

Wall to Wall Carpeting

Gone are the days when buyers jumped at the idea of complete floor carpeting. It may look good for a couple of years, but wall-to-wall carpets quickly begin to show signs of wear and tear. Not to mention their ability to retain odors and harbor dust and allergens that could be harmful to your respiratory health. We recommend considering tile, laminate, or hardwood flooring instead of permanent carpeting.

If you have a carpet, it would be best to have it professionally cleaned from time to time. This is a maintenance practice to keep it in pristine condition and prolong its life. Ensure it is deep cleaned before listing your home. You do not want potential buyers to see it looking crusty and stained.

Maintaining your home’s value is no mean feat, especially with people living in it every day. However, performing essential maintenance practices periodically can ensure that your home remains in perfect condition even after several years. Be sure to repair any broken fixtures and appliances and make necessary upgrades to ensure your home runs smoothly.