*Article updated 12 June 2023
As a seller, you know how important it is to make sure that your home looks as good as possible in order to get the most out of your investment when it comes to getting your home ready to sell.
“Many of the considerations which detract from a home’s value are fairly obvious and most people know that issues like poor kerb appeal and water damage will negatively impact a home’s value,” says Claude McKirby, Co-Principal for Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty in Cape Town’s Southern Suburbs.
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“And when an agent values a home they take into consideration a number of basics, including the square meterage, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms and the general condition.”
However, McKirby, says that over and above these factors, there are other, less obvious features that come into play, and which can negatively - or positively - affect a property’s value:
Bold colour schemes
The burnt orange lounge and sunshine yellow kitchen might float your boat but it is very likely to put off many potential home buyers if they think they are going to have to spend time and money redecorating. And if they do love the house, they are likely to lowball you, citing the redecorating costs. Always stick to neutral colours which will appeal to the majority of people.
READ: Easy DIY: How to transform your kitchen with paint and wallpaper
Poorly fitted windows
If the windows don’t close easily or properly and if the seals are crumbling or worn, not only does it look bad, it can also let in some nasty drafts and insects. A buyer is sure to want to get them fixed and is likely to reduce his/her offer.
Too many customisations
“We all like to personalise our homes to suit our tastes and needs, but when it comes time to sell, some of these customisations can negatively affect your price or even the ability to sell your home.”
READ: SA suburbs offering the ‘perfect blend of urban amenities and elbow room’
Inconsistent upgrades
When updating or renovating your home, it’s important to be consistent otherwise you could risk a loss in overall value. For instance, you modernise your open-plan kitchen but leave the worn 70’s linoleum flooring in place.
Proximity to shops
You’re probably aware that buyers like to know how close a home is to a good school, but the same is true for grocery stores. And if your suburb has a good supermarket within a few blocks of your home, it will certainly add to your appeal.
READ: What you need to consider before moving to another area or city
Greenery in the neighbourhood
Living on a tree-lined street or very close to a well-maintained park can add to your home’s value. Likewise, if there are no mature trees in your garden or along the street and very little sign of greenery anywhere, it can also negatively affect the value.
Sketchy neighbours
If your neighbours regularly keep their lawn mown and their pavements neat and tidy, it is likely to impact well on your home’s value whereas if their garden is messy and overgrown and toys are strewn everywhere, it’s likely to have a negative effect.
Plans for the area
If your property is close to a planned and highly publicised project such as a new major road or housing development, you can expect to see your home’s value decrease because even if it will be an advantage once complete, long-term construction is always a deterrent for numerous reasons.
Here are 4 Eco-friendly upgrades that will increase the value of your home:
In an article published on 30 April 2022, Adrian Goslett, Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, suggests that making your property more sustainable can go a long way towards attracting buyers who value these conveniences and amenities.
“Whether buying new or improving your current environment, you can make your house more sustainable with some quick changes and some thoughtful investments to save on energy, water, and maintenance costs,” says Goslett.
But, with so many sustainable options to choose from, it can be difficult to know what exactly you should be upgrading on your property. To help make this decision easier, RE/MAX suggest that homeowners consider four essential pillars for home sustainability; namely electricity, water, waste, and self-sustainability.
1. Invest in solar power
Homeowners should arrange for a consultation on whether the property can easily adapt to solar power panels. This will depend on your type of roof and its exposure to the sun. In the long run, running your property on solar power will save thousands off your electricity bill and will reduce the impact of relying on non-renewable energy sources.
2. Upgrade your water-efficiency
Those with solar power will be able to heat your water sustainably without reliance on the grid. However, there are many other ways to optimise the way that your property uses this resource.
For example, you could install a rainwater tank to reduce pressure on your local water supply systems and invest in waterwise shower heads in your bathrooms. It can also be as simple as adding a bucket to your shower to capture excess water for your garden, but if you invest in a proper greywater system to maintain your garden during times of drought, this could double as a way to invest in the resale value of the property.
3. Find out about local recycling
Look into your municipality’s recycling guidelines and speak to your local estate agent to find out about where you’re able to drop off recycling in your area. If you feel your neighbourhood is underserved, consider spearheading communications to introduce that recycling be collected from the households in your community for even more convenience.
4. Use your garden to be more self-sustainable
Those with the yard space should invest in creating a composting system to reduce the amount of waste the household creates. Investing in plants is also wonderful for naturally purifying the air, helping to dampen street noise, and can also provide shade to cool the home in summer, which in turn will lessen your property’s reliance on non-natural and expensive cooling systems.
Planting your own fruit, vegetables, and herbs will also reduce your reliance on the local grocery which will reduce the amount of packaging waste your household produces.
“In South Africa, these green features are becoming increasingly popular among buyers, especially as a result of the ongoing load shedding and the prevalence of droughts in our country. Don’t hesitate to speak to real estate professionals for advice on the best sustainable home improvements in your neighbourhood and for your specific type of property,” says Goslett.
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