When you are making big changes to your home, ask yourself if it will increase or decrease the value when it is time to put it on the market.
When you are trying to sell your home , the features that are appealing to buyers vary from lovely exterior lighting to laundry rooms and large island benches in the kitchen. But then there are features that you may think are attractive to buyers but in reality are hindering your chances of a sale. Here are four features that do not add value to your home and therefore should be avoided.
Swimming pools
Every instinct in your body is telling you that swimming pools should be appealing, but they are not. Buyers take one look at a pool and all they think is maintenance, maintenance, maintenance. Forbes reiterates that it can be a distraction because people think of the work involved and the danger if buyers have small children. A pool may suit your needs while you reside in the house, but think if it is worth investing money in and if it will actually add value when selling.
A swimming pool can be great for your family, but to potential buyers, it can look like maintenance.
Landscaping
Although landscaping can be very appealing when selling your home, it is unlikely that it will increase the value of your home. According to author and ex-real estate broker Jean Folger, writing for Investopedia, if you have a high maintenance garden, buyers once again might see it purely as too much upkeep. If they have to pay a gardener to keep it in good condition they will not want to pay more for the property.
Improvements not seen.
Gib stopping the walls, Pink Batts and plumbing can all improve the living conditions inside your home, but potential buyers may not notice it upon inspection. If you are making those renovations you must think of them as a loss, and if they add value upon selling, then it is an extra bonus. Be sure that these improvements are noted in the advertising and communicated to potential buyers by your selling agent.
Even though your hard DIY efforts may make your home more comfortable, they are an invisible investment when selling your home.
High value – relationships with neighbours
When you are having an open home, it is important that you are on good terms with your neighbours. They have the opportunity to speak to potential buyers when they are walking in and around the home. They may talk about living in the neighbourhood and you want them to give a warm and welcoming impression to people.
If you are planning on selling your home, the team at Peter Blackshaw can help you and discuss the features that you should make stand out.