There many surprising factors in real estate that many people don’t know about. Most people know that a 4,000 so. ft., 5 bedrooms, 4.5 bath home in the middle of Oklahoma may be the same price or less than a 2 bedroom, 2 bath home located here in Southern California. But that is obvious because of the two homes’ location. You may not know that other factors determine the value of you home.
1. Crown molding
If you have taken the time to select neutral and calm colors for your home, but have neglected crown molding, you have done a disservice. People love crown moldings; it gives a feeling of elegance and decadence you don’t often get in newer homes. Of course, everyone loves high ceiling, but you can still put crown molding on lower sitting ceilings. Just make sure they are to scale with the room.
2. Sports team paraphernalia
Now we know people are very passionate about their sports teams and like to decorate their home with paraphernalia, but try to refrain. Other passionate fans of the opposing team may view your home and unfortunately write off your home (I know people can be crazy.) Besides not wanting to alienate any of your potential buyers, decorating a home in sports paraphernalia can be a bit tacky.
3. Starbucks
If you have a Starbucks, Trader Joes, or Whole Foods within a mile of your home, it typically goes up in value. On average, homes in close proximity go up 40 percent in value since their purchase. Homes near Starbucks and Whole foods have seen double-digit gains.
4. A death on the property
In California, if a death has occurred on the property, it must be disclosed. While this may not affect some buyers, it is a deal breaker for others. There is even a name for it, stigmatized, it refers to a site in which a murder, suicide, or paranormal activity has occurred.