Have you finally decided to sell your house and move on? I am sure that you have already calculated the approximate amount you can expect for the property, but have you really taken everything into consideration. There is a number of things which can affect your property’s price and home’s value. Keep in mind these ten factors that can influence home and property values. With those that can be fixed, do your math and see whether they are worth fixing.
Location and proximity
This one is as obvious as the fact that the size of the house matters. People usually say that they would like a suburban house because of peace and quiet. But the fact is they do not really want a large house. While your house needs to pretend to be a fortress of tranquility, it still needs to be very well connected to local institutions, stores, motorway entries, airports, railway stations etc.
Schools
Parents will always have a look into this first. The convenience of having a school nearby is a must for them. Also, they will check to see what reputation that school holds. If that is not considered to be a good school, the demand for your house will drop, along with its price.
Crime
Try not to have anyone killed in your house. Any sort of mystery or shady business related to your property will decrease your chances of selling at a decent price. Whether it is superstition, fear or negative energy, people tend to lose interest in houses wrapped in mystery. Even a haunted house can bring down home values.
Neighborhood
People are aware that properties they buy are surrounded by others. The smaller your yard, the closer the neighbors are to your home. Your price will be affected negatively if you live in a bad neighborhood. ‘Bad’ is usually equivalent to crime-ridden. Also, if your neighbors are noisy or you live really close to an airport, or are surrounded by heavy traffic, you may have trouble getting the price you want. As with crime, people tend to avoid bad energy. So foreclosures are something they do not like to see when choosing a new house.
Trees
Trees are a tricky category. This refers to old trees with their huge crowns and great big roots. An old tree on the premises can increase the value of the property as it is a unique piece of nature. On the other hand, it can also decrease it significantly if the tree is positioned in such way that it represents a threat to the house. Roots can damage foundations and branches can break roof tiles. Try to estimate what category your tree falls under and cut it if you think it will help you protect the house and get the right price.
Upkeep
Do one final maintenance check. Inspect the house for any issues and try to resolve them. Get an estimate on any repairs you cannot do yourself and see whether repairing them is worth the money invested. If you had a pet living with you, remove any traces of its existence, especially the scent marking. As homes that smell like pets can be a real turn off. According to Pestworks, a great number of sellers have pest issues that they are not aware of. So in order to avoid any sort of confusion, obtain a pest report to clear any doubts.
A Garage
Again, an obvious one, people like to have a place to shelter their car from bad weather and thieves. If you have a garage which is too small or you do not even have one, check whether building an extension would be worth your while. Alternatively, be prepared for a drop in price.
Luxuries
You would think that golf courses, swimming pools, and great big yards are good things, but they don’t always indicate a higher price. An average buyer may not value these luxuries as they can be perceived at a long term expense with a lot of a maintenance.
Colors
I am all for unique and I respect your decision to paint your house a bold color. However, once you are done living in the house, you may want to consider repainting it. A color that is more neutral or conventional is easier to sell.
Curb appeal
Your curb appeal is the first impression a potential buyer visualizes. Potential buyers will walk up to your home envisioning their new home. You want this impression to be good, so make sure that everything around your house looks perfect. Have your front yard nicely trimmed and clear of debris. Make sure the path is neat and the porch inviting.
Conclusion
These are several important issues to remember when selling a house. There are more factors when determining home value, but understanding these ten will help you gain the best value of your home. Taking a proactive approach to home management and awareness will make your sale as desirable as possible and you will be one step closer to your top figure.
About Author: Hannah Thomas is an expert in business innovation and management with a love for writing. She is always eager to learn new things and to share the knowledge she acquired along the way.
