How you could be hurting your property value in Houston

It's easy to let your own tastes slow down the process when buying a home. After all, your home should reflect your personality. You'll be the one spending so much time in it, so why not make it what you want and need? As sound as this philosophy is while you're living in your home, there is one stage in the timeline that deserves the same attention - once you've decided to put your house up for sale. 

The purchase of a home is an investment, and you wish to profit from it just as much as any other. It makes sense that you would want your home's value to increase between when you buy and when you sell. Property values can be reduced in a number of ways. 

Even seemingly harmless aesthetic choices can negatively affect the market value of your home. If you want your sale to result in a positive net result, here are some tips.

Not Repairing Smoke, Water, or Mold Damage

Your pocketbook may take a hit when it comes to selling your home if you adopt the mindset of not making repairs to your home because you are planning on selling. Buyers will expect to make some repairs and renovations when they move in, but it is going to be less desirable to them if they learn that they will need to spend hundreds, if not thousands, on the repairs of water damage, mold, or smoke. Buying a home that doesn't need any repairs makes buyers more likely to include that money saved in their offer.

It's not just about aesthetics when it comes to repairs. If problems are not addressed, they may worsen with time. Water damage often results in mold, which brings with it a host of respiratory issues. Having a clogged gutter makes it difficult for water to exit your roof, which can cause leaks of every kind. Before you put your home up for sale, be sure to fix any issues. If you need water damage repair or flood cleanup, consider working with a professional water damage restoration company.

Choosing the Wrong Paint Color

When you are planning to paint your home's interior, think about how your choice of paint will appeal to potential buyers. Your home's color choice should never compromise its atmosphere.

Keeping Clutter

It won't bother you if you have a lot of stuff with great sentimental value on your home. Potential buyers, however, won't feel the same way. In a messy home with a lot of personal items, the property is being perceived as trashier than it really is. Others may also have difficulty picturing themselves living there. It's important to remove personal touches from your home before selling it. An unorganized interior can detract from your home's value.

Skipping the Yardwork

The truth is, interiors are not the only thing people care about. The first thing buyers will see when pulling up to your home is your yard, so it is very important to make it look good from the outside. Maintaining a neat and beautiful yard can make a positive first impression.

A pool or fountain might also dissuade buyers from purchasing your property. They might want to do their own landscaping after moving in. You should avoid stamping your home with too much "you". 

Having A Vanity Room

Some "perks" features like recording studios and home theaters might seem like they would make your home stand out from the competition, but they could actually turn away potential buyers. Potential buyers might not share your passion for movies. If you don't like movies, a home theater is likely to seem like a waste of space, a room you'll never use.

It doesn't just apply to niche rooms; the "vanity effect" also applies to kitchens and bathrooms. Despite the fact that many people would appreciate a huge stovetop grill or a jacuzzi tub, others would just find them useless. It may even indicate that the home is not right for them.

So even if you've made one of these questionable decisions, it is not too late to fix things. Adding value to your home up to the point where you decide to sell it is possible. 

Restoration 1 Central Houston can help restore water, smoke, or mold damage to your home. Contact us today to learn how we can increase your property's value!