Your home is not just a place to live; it’s likely your most significant investment. Naturally, you want to do everything possible to boost or maintain its value. Many homeowners think that any improvements they make will automatically increase their home’s worth. However, this is only sometimes true.
We have researched various online forums and created a list of 12 dumb ways to ruin the value of your home.
Neglecting your home
Keep your home clean and in good shape. If something breaks, you need to fix it as soon as possible. Ignoring plumbing or electrical issues can lead to big, expensive problems down the line.
Think of it like this: a little maintenance now saves you from potentially failing to sell your house later. So, stay on top of things and keep your home happy and healthy.
Repurposing the Garage
Turning your garage into a gym or a cozy extended family suite is an excellent upgrade if you are a fitness person. However, future home buyers may not share your enthusiasm. Most folks would rather have a garage for their cars than a space to lift weights or host relatives when they stay over.
Overdoing the upgrades
You may think that more upgrades mean more value for your home, but that’s not always true. If you go overboard with upgrades and your home stands out too much compared to the other houses in the neighborhood, it may become more difficult to sell. Buyers prefer a home with potential future value increases rather than one already maxed out.
Adding Too Much Personality
When you customize your home, you fit it according to your personal taste. Since everybody has different choices, your house’s value will decrease when you put it up for sale. Most buyers will not share your enthusiasm and can see your unique touches as something they’ll need to replace. Before making custom changes, consider whether you plan to stay in your home long-term. If not, it’s better to stick with more neutral designs that appeal to a broader range of buyers.
Ignoring Energy Efficiency
Intelligent buyers will notice if your home isn’t energy efficient, and they won’t appreciate potentially higher utility bills after they move in. Issues like poor loft insulation, drafty windows, or an old boiler can reduce your home’s value. To avoid this, improve your home’s energy efficiency before selling to make it more appealing and boost its value.
Overlooking the Exterior Charm
Tidying up your home’s surroundings can seriously boost its value. Even the most minor things go a long way like power washing the driveway and mowing the lawn. If you ignore the exterior of your house, potential buyers will not appreciate the overall look. They will either refuse to buy the house or want to settle at a much lower price. Add new landscaping features like trendy shrubs or fresh walkways to give your home a stylish makeover.
Keeping up with trendy updates
Trends change quickly, and you should redecorate your house every five years. Instead of spending on trendy renovations like bold-colored walls or elaborate tile designs, consider offering buyers credit to personalize their own space. This way, you avoid investing in updates that may not increase your home’s value. Classic features, such as neutral colors and timeless fixtures, tend to appeal to a broader range of buyers and stand the test of time.
Keeping Body Parts of Dead Animals
Displaying body parts of dead animals, like antlers or taxidermy, may seem stylish to some. Still, it can actually make your home less appealing. Many people find these items unsettling, or they may be illegal in many states. It’s best to choose decor that appeals to a broader audience and creates a positive, inviting atmosphere.
Cracks in the Pavement
You may give little thought to keeping your driveway in top condition, but potential buyers always will. They observe keenly to find out any and every sign of wear and tear. So, before you list your house, take a moment to clean your driveway. If there are cracks in your pavement, you won’t be able to attract buyers.
Traffic Pollution
Living on a busy street may affect your property’s value. Houses on or backing up to busy roads often have less appeal compared to the same home in a quieter spot. Not only does living within 500 meters of a busy highway lead to noise pollution, but it also causes respiratory problems. To remove any chances of contracting such problems, it’s better to have a house in a quieter place if you plan to sell it.
An Unappealing Layout
When it comes to home value, the home’s layout is often considered its unique selling point (USP). Unorthodox layouts are usually deal breakers because fixing them would cost a lot. Split-level homes, where you’ve got to climb stairs to get to the living room or bedrooms scattered like a game of hide and seek, will often need help getting sold. Buyers nowadays care more about the open-house concept, where the whole is functional. Not having those kinds of houses may lower your home’s value.
Feuding with your Neighbors
Having unfriendly neighbors is very common, but how you handle them matters. If you’re constantly arguing with neighbors, they may make selling your house tricky. It could be as childish as blasting loud music while you show your house to potential buyers. So, it’s best to stay on good terms with them and not ruin the value of your home.
