Halloween has now come and gone and while we might be placing pumpkins and corn stocks on our front porch, others might be considering selling their home. You never want to devalue your home with renovations or improvements but could some things ruin your home’s value without you knowing about it? Here are seven interesting and sometimes creepy things that could “murder” your home’s value.
#1. A death or suicide in the home.
While it’s not required to disclose of a death in the house on the seller’s disclosure form, if people know there’s been a death, suicide, or foul play at the house, it might turn off potential buyers. However, you may or may not know of such deviant acts but if revealed, your home may sit on the market longer than necessary. However, simply having an elderly person pass away peacefully in their home is a much better reason for the sale then a gruesome attack.
#2. A haunted house.
Whether you believe in them or not, we all can’t deny the fact that strange noises, creaking, bumps in the night, and other such fairytale sounds can go on, especially in older homes. You never know when you’ll have us a superstitious buyer and agents should tell their clients to be upfront about any history of “paranormal activity” if possible. There was a famous 1991 court decisions that let a seller back out of the purchase because of alleged hauntings in the house that was not originally disclosed. Again, the state of Alaska does not require homeowners to disclose this information should they know about it, but you never know when you’ll get a buyer that is totally obsessed with hauntings and will buy the home specifically for that reason.
#3. Nearby cemetery.
This may or may not be a deterrent for some buyers but if you’re right next to a cemetery, your house may only come in handy around Halloween. That might freak out some people, or it might mean that you’ll have quiet neighbors. I’ll let you be the judge of that perception.
Schedule a Free Listing Consultation
#4. A funeral home in the neighborhood.
Death is usually not a good sign for home sales but, the National Association of Realtors found that prices were about 6 1/2% lower in neighborhoods that had funeral homes and other properties in the country. Coincidence? Maybe, maybe not. However, regardless of where the home is located, you can always do things to boost the appearance and attractiveness of your particular home. Remember to focus on the positive features rather than any negatives in the neighborhood.
#5. High crime rate.
I get it, nobody wants to live next door to a registered sex offender. And, while we as a real estate agents cannot tell you where people are located or the crime rate due to equal housing laws, we can offer opportunities and resources for you to find out the information yourself. For those with small children living in a neighborhood with a registered sex offender may not be high on your want list, but single males or older families might see it as an outreach opportunity.
#6. High-voltage power lines.
I might be the first to attest that this has nothing to do with reproduction. But, some people might just not like the idea of living under wires that emit a constant buzz. However, if you live in an area with a backyard full of power lines, chances are you’re not going to have anybody that’s going to live directly behind you. This could be a benefit and offer a quieter neighborhood.
#7. Mold.
Mold is a scary subject and if buyers see it or smell it, chances are they are going to ask about it or just run for the hills. Having a pre-inspection can solve this issue by discovering it ahead of time and alleviating the issue.
Whether you’re buying or selling, it’s always a good idea to check out the neighborhood and discover for yourself what’s a dealbreaker, and what you are willing to tolerate for the right home. As a seller, as I mentioned, always focus on the positive features of the home. Perhaps you have an amazing fenced in backyard complete with hot tub and gorgeous landscaping. Maybe the inside has a phenomenal kitchen tailor-made for the gourmet cook, or perhaps it’s a luxurious bathroom that is the perfect master retreat.
Whatever it is, we can always overcome imperfections in homes, lots, and neighborhoods. Stay tuned to our blog for more interesting and educational tips on buying and selling throughout Wasilla, Palmer, and Eagle River Alaska.