The average home in Philly is worth about $223,428, which is up 2.7% from last year. According to Zillow, it usually goes under contract in about 17 days. However, property values can be all over the place for different reasons. As a homeowner, knowing what can make your home’s value drop is key. Knowing what can hurt your property value helps you keep your home in top shape and get the most bang for your buck when you sell a house fast in Philadelphia.
Lack of Curb Appeal
First impressions matter when selling your home. You want your curb appeal to wow buyers and help your house sell quickly. Potential buyers will notice if your exterior paint is peeling or your shrubs look rough. Luckily, you can boost your curb appeal with some simple fixes.
DIY Projects Gone Wrong
Many homeowners dive into DIY projects to make their homes more enjoyable and add value. Whether it’s adding a bathroom, building a deck, or flipping a fixer-upper, the goal is usually to increase home value. But sometimes, these projects don’t turn out as planned and can hurt your property’s worth.
Nasty Neighbors
Before buyers get to your house, they pass by your neighbors, and bad neighbors can drag down your home’s value. Disputes over property lines or other conflicts can scare off buyers or lead to lower offers. If there’s obvious tension with the neighbors, many buyers might pass or lower their offer.
Interior Aesthetics
If you get buyers inside, they’ll quickly notice certain things. Is your house cluttered? Are family photos covering the walls? Is it dusty and dark? These are easy fixes, but your home might struggle to sell at your asking price if you don’t handle them. A fresh coat of paint helps, too, but stick to neutral colors. Odd colors, strange wallpaper, and bad floors can turn buyers off. Lack of storage can also be a deal-breaker. Aim for a warm, inviting, and not overly lived-in look.
Excessive Clutter
Over the years, homes collect a lot of stuff, and you might not realize how much until you list your home. Just like dirt builds up, so does clutter. If your rooms are crowded with belongings, it’s time to clear out your stuff. Donate what you don’t need, and find permanent spots for items you use occasionally. Decluttering is a cheap way to add value.
Unpleasant Smells
Bad smells leave a lasting impression and can hurt your property value. Whether it’s cigarette smoke, pet odors, or mold, find the source and eliminate it. Don’t just mask the smell with air fresheners. Keeping your home clean helps avoid unpleasant odors. Regular vacuuming, dusting, wiping surfaces, and cleaning bathrooms and kitchens are essential.
Get the Best Offer for Your Property
Now that you know what can lower your property value, you can start making changes. When it’s time to sell, you’ll be glad for the work you put in to make your home appealing to buyers.
Selling a home can be long and tiring, but you can speed things up using reputable cash home buyers in Philadelphia, like Diamond Equity Investments. Enter your address, and we’ll quickly give you a cash offer, saving you time. We handle all the details, from pulling the title to arranging the closing, and can help you find your next place to live.
