18 Common Problems That Are Likely To Decrease the Value of Your House

Written By Jill Taylor

Do you want to sell your house? Then take a look at the 18 common problems that could decrease its value in this article.

Antiquated Kitchen

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“The average cost to remodel a kitchen is about $12,000 to $60,500, which includes materials, fixtures, and labor,” says Forbes. If your kitchen style is antiquated, it will decrease the value of your house, as people do not want to pay for an expensive remodel.

Cold Basement

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Does your home have a basement that you cannot use because it is damp or drafty? Then, instead of getting more money for the extra space, your property will go down in value. Potential buyers know that a drafty basement is expensive to fix, and most will not be up for the challenge.

No Ensuite

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Older houses were not built with ensuite restrooms. They didn’t start coming into house plans until the 1980s. But these types of bathrooms are very sought-after by house hunters today. So a house without an ensuite bathroom will not appeal as much to families or young couples.

Outdated Restroom

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Estimates from Architectural Digest show that the typical cost of a bathroom remodel can be anywhere between $2,500 and $80,000. If your bathroom is outdated, you will not be able to sell your house for as much money, as people like to move into houses that are already equipped with modern bathrooms.

Old-Fashioned Décor

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Is the décor in your home outdated? Do your sofas need replacing, and is your wallpaper out of fashion? A house that does not have up-to-date décor will not sell as quickly as one that is more modern. This is because people feel like they are walking into a newer house when the décor is fashionable and fresh.

No Garage

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According to AutoInsurance.com, “the average American is a car owner. Across the country, 91 percent of American households have one vehicle or more as of 2017.” A problem arises when homeowners want to sell properties that do not have a garage. These homes are not as popular and do not sell for as much money.

Water Damage

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Did a pipe burst in your home? Then you might have some water damage on the ceiling in one of the rooms of the home. Although you’ve fixed the problem, water damage is unsightly and makes potential buyers feel concerned. This might deter them from buying your home.

Hairline Cracks

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According to Epp Foundation Repair, “while small wall cracks may appear harmless, they can indicate a severe foundation problem.” A house with many hairline cracks might make potential buyers feel concerned about the structural integrity of the home. They could impact how much a home sells for.

Drafty Windows

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The Department of Energy says that “about 30% of a home’s heating energy is lost through windows.” People are looking to save money on energy bills now more than ever. That’s why houses that have energy-efficient windows sell for more money than those that don’t. Drafty windows will decrease the value of your home.

Messy Landscaping

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Is your landscaping a bit messy? What you may not realize is that the outside of your property is just as important as the inside. If your landscaping looks like it needs a lot of professional work to get it back on track, it will lower the value of your home.

Lack of Attic Insulation

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Is your attic drafty? “Without proper insulation, warm air from a home’s heating system will flow directly to the house’s colder areas, like attics, garages, mudrooms, and basements. In fact, nearly 40% of the heat in your home is lost through the attic,” says Advantage Construction. Your attic could reduce the value of your home.

Humidity

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Do you live in a very damp or humid part of the country? Then you might constantly be fighting problems with humidity in your home. Mold on the walls or around the windows of your home will be very off-putting to potential buyers. It will devalue your home.

Poor Lighting

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Everyone likes coming into a house that is bright and welcoming. But if the lighting in your home is poor, it may look dark and even frightening. The lighting in your home must be adequate for your house to sell when it goes on the market.

One Restroom

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Does your home only have one restroom? Then this is a problem that will without a doubt stop your home from reaching its full selling potential. House hunters are looking for properties with at least two restrooms, preferably one downstairs for guests to use and one upstairs for the family.

Lack of Character

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Is the interior of your home lacking character? Panels, fireplaces, and good decoration all make a house look more appealing. If your home looks plain, it will be challenging for potential buyers to imagine what they can do with it. A boring space is hard to sell.

Personalized Rooms

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Do you have a personalized room in your home? Perhaps you have a built-in home theater or a gym. These rooms are very specific and create work for potential buyers who would like a house with standard finishings that they can move straight into.

Abandoned Exterior

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The exterior of your home is the first thing that people will see when they approach your property for a viewing. So if the paint on the front of your house is peeling or the windows are dirty, it will not make a good first impression. An abandoned exterior will affect its value.

Extravagant Color Schemes

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Everyone is entitled to decorate their houses in the way that they like best. But extravagant and wacky color schemes might make it hard for you to sell your home. House hunters might struggle to see the potential that a house has when the décor is unconventional.

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