Features that Make Your Home Harder to Sell

Investing in your home can often bring in big returns however not all homeowners have the same needs and style. What works for one family may not work for the next. So keep that in mind when you are considering upgrades for your home. If the thought of selling your home anytime in the future has ever crossed your mind, even slightly it’s a good idea to make choices that increase, not decrease, the value of your home.

Following are a few examples of improvements that look great but don’t necessarily translate into a higher home value.

Cedar Shake Roof

A cedar shake roof can definitely set your home apart from the surrounding homes but cedar shake roofing require significantly more maintenance than metal or asphalt roofing which of course can scare off potential buyers.  In addition, cedar shake roofing can increase your insurance premiums since cedar shake roofs have minimal fire resistance capabilities.  Skip the cedar and opt for a low maintenance asphalt roofing instead.

Garage Space

Buyers typically want a garage that can house both homeowners’ vehicles so a home with less than a two car garage may sit on the market longer.  In addition to space for your vehicles, homeowners also appreciate additional storage space. So it’s wise to also consider adding shelving or storage racks when upgrading this area.

Flat Roof

While flat roofs are cheaper than pitched ones to install, leakage issues are quite common.  In order to prevent this, they are covered with a waterproof seal that must be inspected and maintained on a regular basis.  These additional steps and the cost of preventing possible water damage may turn off some prospective home buyers.

Stucco Siding

Statistically speaking, a stucco home will sit on the market longer than one with a different type of siding.  Because water is stucco’s primary adversary, buyers in wet climates can be more hesitant to purchase a home with this type of siding.  Stucco’s lifespan depends on it being installed correctly, something that can be difficult to determine by appearance alone.

Plumbing

Fixtures such as dishwashers, washing machines and showers were once thought to be luxury items.  However, in this day and age, they’re necessities. Homes without these items are likely to sit on the market longer and sell for a lower price.

Basement Access

In older homes, basement access may require going through the garage or through a hatch in the floor.  When upgrading, it is wise to change this to more conventional access so that your home will appeal to a wider audience.

Wood Siding

Properly maintained wood siding can be a point of pride for a homeowner.  Keeping the siding maintained means regular power washing, sealing, and staining or painting.  Wood siding can also be damaged by insects and other pests such as termites.  All of these things make wood siding something that can be viewed as a liability to future homeowners.