November 21, 2024 | JK

Surprising Things That Decrease Your Property Value


Before You Put Your Home On The Market

Selling your home involves many factors, and keeping up with its current market value requires consistent time and effort over the years. If you want to attract potential buyers and ensure your real estate agent lists your property at its true market value, consider how the following conditions may have influenced your home’s worth.

Propertyvalues-Msn2

Outside Appearances Matter

The upkeep of the yard, exterior of the house, and curb neatness are all first-impression factors when a prospective buyer does a walk-through or drives by your home. If your home looks unkempt from the outside, or exterior repairs are too obvious, you may be repelling potential buyers.

Old fashioned car parked near aged classic houseEnric Cruz López, Pexels

Advertisement

Other Homes In The Area Can Impact Salability

Abandoned homes, or having a “zombie house” as it’s colloquially referred to, in your neighborhood can impact the desirability of your home. Dilapidated homes with untamed yards and boarded-up windows can scare prospective buyers from the area.

Home Exterior in a Suburban AreaCurtis Adams, Pexels

Cracks In The Pavement

This issue doesn’t seem as obvious or important, but an appraiser will factor in these signs of physical depreciation. Adrian Muller, president of Hudson View Appraisal Services says that “large cracks and potholes on the driveway surface raise a red flag in the appraisal process”. So, you may want to reseal these cracks on the driveway before putting your home on the market.

A pothole on asphalt roadnaszalyg93, Shutterstock

Strange Landscaping Designs

We get it: your unique expression must be creatively displayed on your landscape. But even if the upkeep of your lawn is perfect, odd or weird designs that are too personal could damage your home's selling appeal.

Charming Cottage with Lush GreeneryOnur Satıcı, Pexels

Advertisement

Strange Landscaping Designs

You should opt for more neutral designs to avoid repulsing a prospective buyer who wants to develop the yard to their taste. Also, large trees in the front of the house should be cut and trimmed to avoid falling onto the roof.

Photography of Pathway Surrounded by PlantsDaniel Frese, Pexels

Not Keeping Up With The Joneses

Updating features of your home that reflect other houses in the neighborhood is a good habit to keep. Muller says that “homes without features that are common in the area such as a patio or pool in Florida, will have an overall lower value”.

A modern home with wooden siding and a sidewalkStephen Leonardi, Pexels

Nearby Fracking Sites

Living near a shale gas well may significantly impact your property’s long-term value. Research from Duke University and Resources for the Future indicates that homeowners in Pennsylvania saw property values decline by up to 24% if their homes were within 1.25 miles of a well. This especially impacts homes that rely on groundwater for drinking and other household uses.

A Real Estate Agent Holding a SignThirdman, Pexels

Advertisement

Explore Different Siding Options

Opting for aluminum siding may not benefit you in the long run. Aluminum siding has many advantages like insulation, durability, and helps to repel bugs but today’s homebuyers are not looking for aluminum siding as it cheapens the look of the house.

Master makes repairs on aluminum fascia trim.ungvar, Shutterstock

Explore Different Siding Options

It’s not just aluminum siding that gets a bad rap for homeowners looking to sell, houses with multi-colored siding are also an eyesore and can be a challenge for real estate agents to sell as a professional listing.

Low Angle Shot of a Colorful HouseCyrill, Pexels

An Unkempt Lawn

According to the Appraisal Institute, landscaping your yard can possibly increase your home value. If you’ve let your lawn go, now may be the time to remove dead plants, shrubs, and unsightly weeds. Taking the time to care about your yard’s appearance and health will prove worthwhile in the long run.

Gardener Pushing Wheelbarrow in Yard.Amie Roussel, Pexels

Advertisement

A Fireplace That Is Filled In

Maintaining a fireplace over the years can be challenging, so instead of preserving the hearth, you’ve decided to fill it in with brick or decommission it in some way. However, according to Melissa Terzis, a real estate agent in Washington, DC, this choice could impact your home’s value.

Luxury Living Room with fireplaceKsenia Chernaya, Pexels

A Fireplace That Is Filled In

Terzis says that “buyers seem to always want fireplaces, and when they come across a home where the fireplace appears to have been filled with bricks or otherwise taken out of service, they always question what needs to occur to bring it back into working order”. The overall costs associated with restoration may lower the overall selling price of your home, says Terzis.

Livingroom with fireplace.Nataliya Vaitkevich, Pexels

Having A Pool On Your Property

You may have created happy memories around the family pool but don’t expect a prospective buyer to appreciate the same sentiments you hold about your pool. Many buyers don’t even look for a home with a pool, says Heather Kandawire, a real estate agent in northern New Jersey.

A pool in the middle of a lush green yardDiogo Miranda, Pexels

Advertisement

Having A Pool On Your Property

Kandawire notes that many prospective buyers are concerned about the maintenance costs associated with owning a pool, including extra expenses like insurance and hiring a professional pool cleaner. However, if you have a luxury home on a larger property, this rule doesn’t apply—affluent estates typically sell well with a pool.

A pool in the middle of the yard.Ahmet ÇÖTÜR, Pexels

Too Much Wallpaper

An easy way to improve wallpapered rooms before selling is to remove the wallpaper and repaint. Why? Potential buyers who aren't DIY-savvy may see wallpaper removal as costly and time-consuming, making them more likely to choose a home that requires less initial work.

Removing old wallpaper from the wall.MVolodymyr, Shutterstock

A Bad Neighbor

No matter how beautiful and meticulously maintained your home is, having a neighbor on a predator offender list is generally a deal-breaker for potential buyers. Living near someone on such a list can significantly impact your property’s value.

Emotional neighbours having argument near fence outdoorsNew Africa, Shutterstock

Advertisement

Dated Kitchen Cabinets

The kitchen can be a sticking point for buyers seeking a modern space, only to find a large, beautiful kitchen with outdated cabinets. Even if your marble countertops sparkle, outdated cabinets can be an eyesore that overshadows the rest of the kitchen's appeal.

Cozy Vintage Kitchen Interior with Oak CabinetsStephen McDaniel, Pexels

Brass Fixtures Everywhere

Brass fixtures are another feature that can affect a home’s overall appeal to buyers. Though subtle and easy to replace, they can make a home feel dated without buyers even realizing why.

A Real Estate Agent Giving a House TourRDNE Stock project, Pexels

A Dirty Koi Pond

If you have a passing stream or koi pond on your property, make sure it’s well-maintained and clean. Having one may increase your property value, but it should look immaculate before showing or listing your home.

View of Fish Swimming UnderwaterNikolaus Bednarz, Pexels

Advertisement

An Unpleasant Layout

Today’s buyers tend to favor open layouts over the compartmentalized designs typical of split-level homes. These layouts can be costly to modify and often significantly impact a home’s value.

Hallway of a Bright InteriorLisa Anna, Pexels

There Is Carpet Everywhere

Hardwood floors are in, and the carpet is out. Many older homes have hardwood floors under the carpet just waiting to be refinished and restored by a professional. So, before you sell, remove the carpet and wear slippers to keep your feet warm.

Woman seating on sofa.Kindel Media, Pexels

Your Property Is Located Near A Church

Not all buyers want to live close to a church, as the increased traffic congestion on weekends can be a deal-breaker for some, especially if it’s a larger church.

Image of a Church on the street.RocioVargas, Shutterstock

Advertisement

Too Many Foreclosures In The Area

While not all foreclosures are openly marked as such, those that are can influence how prospective buyers perceive your property and neighborhood.

Men Shaking Hands - Sold house.Kindel Media, Pexels

A Loss In The Home

Buyers with superstitious beliefs may research whether there was a loss of life in the home and skip the listing—especially if the circumstances around the loss were nefarious or mysterious.

Crime Scene Do Not Cross Signagekat wilcox, Pexels

Unavoidable Street Traffic

Living on a busy street or a one-way-in, one-way-out neighborhood can lower your home’s value compared to a similar home on a quiet, peaceful street.

Photo of Vehicles on Road Near BuildingsBruno Maceiras, Pexels

Advertisement

Having Paneling In Your Home

There was a time when paneling in basements or recreation rooms was trendy, but that’s no longer the case. To boost your home’s appeal, consider removing the paneling before listing.

Room with paneling on the wall.Max Vakhtbovycn, Pexels

Constant Noise Pollution Issues

Living near an airport or subway station can be a turn-off for some buyers due to the constant sound of planes overhead or the screech of train brakes. Noise pollution is real, and this constant background noise can negatively impact your home’s value.

Airplane in the SkyDewang Wagh, Pexels

Making Upgrades Without A Permit

If you're aiming for a strong home appraisal, unpermitted modifications could impede potential buyers from securing financing for your property. Unauthorized basement suites, for example, can be a particular red flag. For more on what can affect your home appraisal, check out the next slide.

Basement space in house.Đỗ Huy Hoàng, Pexels

Advertisement

Having Unsightly Structures Near Your Home

Phone towers, landfills, and power plants are examples of environmental factors that can hurt your home appraisal. These structures can block views or impact air quality—both of which can bring down property value.

Cell phone towers on the roof of a building near residential buildingsSergeyCo, Shutterstock

Knickknacks And Other Clutter

Your collection of 20 porcelain cat figurines may be your pride and joy, but keeping your home free of excess decorations and memorabilia can make it more appealing to buyers. Tuck them away while showing your home to prospective buyers.

Photograph of Porcelain Dog Statuettescottonbro studio, Pexels

A Lingering Bad Smell

Strong tobacco or heavy cooking odors can deter even the most interested buyers during a showing. Real estate broker Michele Beaudoin recommends creating a welcoming scent by baking a cake, brewing coffee, or using a lemon-scented diffuser to make the home smell fresh and inviting.

Books on the TableKoolShooters, Pexels

Advertisement

School District Information

Living in a thriving school district is a major draw to most prospective buyers, so if your school district is popular, well-attended, and well-funded, this can positively impact your property value.

Students Standing Near a BuildingKeira Burton, Pexels

School District Information

On the other hand, schools with poor reputations or limited funding for attractive playgrounds and landscaping can lower property values in the area. While you may have little control over a school's reputation, being an involved parent can help enhance your child’s educational experience.

School Basketball Court.Alfin Auzikri, Pexels

Exterior Paint

Old, faded, peeling, or cracked paint can discourage prospective buyers from considering your home. A fresh coat of paint can significantly enhance your home’s appeal and improve its selling potential.

Brown Wooden Door Entrance of an Old BuildingDavid Vives, Pexels

Advertisement

Exterior Paint

Finished repainting your home? Great! Hopefully, you chose the right color. Even with a fresh look, an unusual color can be off-putting to buyers. Sticking to neutral or popular color themes is usually best to attract a broader audience.

House Lights Turned onBinyamin Mellish, Pexels

Major Repairs On The Backburner

Major issues like serious mold, HVAC problems, or a leaky roof should be addressed before listing your home—otherwise, you may face thousands off your asking price.

Low Angle Shot of Builders Fixing a Tiled Roof against Blue SkyDavid Brown, Pexels

Major Repairs On The Backburner

Whatever you do, avoid DIY fixes if you're not skilled or just looking for a quick solution. Instead, hire a professional who can help you make repairs in the most cost-effective and efficient manner.

Man Checking an Air ConditionerJosé Andrés Pacheco Cortes, Pexels

Advertisement

Bathroom Remodeling

Bathroom updates can increase your home value but it’s easy to go overboard with flashy features like ornate faucets, bold wallpaper, or unsuitable paint color. When picking a toilet, it’s best to choose a neutral, quality toilet as buyers prefer a blank slate.

White Bathroom InteriorJean van der Meulen, Pexels

Bathroom Remodeling

If you're updating the flooring, avoid linoleum or carpet and choose durable, attractive options like hardwood or tile. Stick with classic, tasteful choices to appeal to more buyers and help maintain your property’s value.

A Modern Shower Room with Glass DoorCurtis Adams, Pexels


READ MORE

mens-out

People Share The Last Straw That Made Them Cut Family Members Out Of Their Lives

Dealing with family members can be a tricky proposition. For some, it's easier to cut family members out of their lives completely and be done with them.
June 20, 2018 Eul Basa
horrific-share-dates

People Share The Most Horrific Dates They've Ever Been On

Dating sites give us plenty of opportunities to find people to date. Unfortunately, that isn't always the case.
July 6, 2018 Eul Basa
children

Conflicted People Reveal Their Most Dark And Disturbing Family Secret

Here lie real accounts of the moments people who thought they were "normal", discovered that their personal family secret is darker than expected.
July 12, 2018 Eul Basa
noped

People Share The Quickest They've Ever 'Noped' Out Of A Job

We’ve all been there before, or at least know of someone that has. Those jobs where you instantly 'noped' out and walk away with no regrets.
July 21, 2018 Eul Basa
Internal_Template

Divorce Lawyers Share The Most Ridiculous Reason A Client Has Filed For A Divorce

A divorce is most often always a painful event. Here, divorce lawyers share the strangest reasons someone has come to their office and asked for a divorce.
August 10, 2018 Eul Basa
expulsion

Ex-College Students Share Their Crazy Expulsion Stories

Between partying and struggling to make pass, there are many chances for you to meet trouble in your college years. Rarely, though, people face expulsion.
August 11, 2018 Eul Basa



Dear reader,


It’s true what they say: money makes the world go round. In order to succeed in this life, you need to have a good grasp of key financial concepts. That’s where Moneymade comes in. Our mission is to provide you with the best financial advice and information to help you navigate this ever-changing world. Sometimes, generating wealth just requires common sense. Don’t max out your credit card if you can’t afford the interest payments. Don’t overspend on Christmas shopping. When ordering gifts on Amazon, make sure you factor in taxes and shipping costs. If you need a new car, consider a model that’s easy to repair instead of an expensive BMW or Mercedes. Sometimes you dream vacation to Hawaii or the Bahamas just isn’t in the budget, but there may be more affordable all-inclusive hotels if you know where to look.


Looking for a new home? Make sure you get a mortgage rate that works for you. That means understanding the difference between fixed and variable interest rates. Whether you’re looking to learn how to make money, save money, or invest your money, our well-researched and insightful content will set you on the path to financial success. Passionate about mortgage rates, real estate, investing, saving, or anything money-related? Looking to learn how to generate wealth? Improve your life today with Moneymade. If you have any feedback for the MoneyMade team, please reach out to [email protected]. Thanks for your help!


Warmest regards,

The Moneymade team