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What Hurts Property Value? 7 Things to Address Now

Dusty Rhodes • March 25, 2024

Property values fluctuate as a result of many factors, and as a homeowner, it’s important to be aware of factors that can drive home value down. Some of these factors are out of your control, such as market conditions, interest rates, and the economy, while others are very much in your control. From unappealing renovations to neglecting maintenance on your home, some projects, or lack thereof, can negatively impact your property value. It’s best to be aware of what hurts property value so you can protect your home and get the most ROI when it comes time to sell.


1) DIY projects gone wrong


Many homeowners take on home improvement projects to not only make their space more livable and enjoyable but to also add value to their greatest investment. Whether it be a bathroom addition, adding a deck, or purchasing a fixer-upper with the promise of profit for flipping it – most people start a project with the idea that it will increase the value of the home. As exciting as the projects may be, they can sometimes turn out not as expected and hurt your property value. 


Are you wanting to build a deck, extend the kitchen, or remodel the bathroom? Even if you’re an expert at smaller DIY projects, it’s better to leave the bigger remodels and renovations to a professional. If not executed properly, they can hurt your property value.


 2) Lack of curb appeal


First impressions make a difference when selling a home. So, your curb appeal should entice prospective buyers and help your home sell faster. If you’ve noticed the exterior paint is chipping off or your trees and shrubs have seen better days, chances are potential buyers will notice too. Luckily, you can achieve great curb appeal with some minor adjustments. 

  • Update the exterior paint. The color of your home is oftentimes one of the first things a buyer will notice. Faded, chipped, and flaking paint can dramatically decrease your curb appeal and hurt your property value. 
  • Update the exterior lighting. If the pathway leading to your front door is dimly lit or your fixtures are outdated, now is the time to update the exterior lighting. Exterior lighting helps your home feel more inviting and complements your landscaping. From post lights, LED lights, solar lights, and wall mounts, the options are endless.
  • Switch out your old fence. Worn fences are an eye-sore and can take the attention away from your home and hurt your property value. Replacing your fence for a new one can give your yard the boost it needs by enhancing the greenery, and showing prospective buyers that you care. Fencing comes in a variety of different options such as wood, vinyl, aluminum, wrought iron, and composite. Consult with professionals to determine what material is best for you.
  • Landscaping. When selling your home, it’s best to go with an easy-to-care-for and clean landscape design to appeal to buyers, and increase the property value of your house. Simply edging the beds, mulching the garden, and pruning the trees and hedges can transform any landscape. 
  • Wash the windows and the siding. It doesn’t take long for your house and windows to form a layer of dust, dirt, fingerprints, or even algae. This can leave your house looking dingy and gray and hurting your property value. 
  • Replace your front door. It’s no surprise that front doors quickly begin to look worn and tired with daily use and harsh weather. Replacing your front door is a quick and cost-effective way to add curb appeal or add a pop of color to your home. 


3) Unsightly interior wall paint


Just like exterior house paint, streaky, chipped, or low-quality paint could discourage potential homebuyers and hurt your property value. A fresh coat of neutral paint on the cabinets, walls, and trim can make all the difference. Busy and bright wallpaper, tiles, or flooring can also divert the attention of the buyers away from your home. The best rule of thumb is to always choose neutral options for permanent items. Then incorporate color with your décor and furnishings.


4) Lack of upkeep


It’s important and necessary to keep your home in great condition and regularly perform general home maintenance chores. Letting your home fall into disarray and neglecting it will hurt your property value and could have consequences on your list price. Buyers will want to negotiate repairs to avoid any major expenses following the sale. This is why most buyers require an inspection contingency in their contract. 


If something breaks, be sure to fix it. And if you don’t know how to fix it, hire someone who does. This will prevent any issues from getting out of hand. It’s often more expensive to remedy any problems the longer you wait. Keep an eye out for any problems with your roof, foundation, HVAC system, gutters, and if a rodent or pest infestation emerges. If you develop any of these issues it’s important to hire a professional immediately. 


5) Carpet everywhere 


Your carpet will be in great condition during the first few years of owning your home, but will quickly begin to show signs of use, start retaining odors, and can be difficult to keep clean. Not only will buyers be wary of wall to wall carpeting because it can be expensive to replace, but it can also collect indoor allergens. If possible, it’s best to stray away from carpet and opt for hardwood, laminate, or tile flooring. 


6) Excessive clutter 


Every home manages to accumulate belongings throughout the years, and you usually don’t realize just how much clutter you’ve collected until you’re about to list your home. Just as dirt and grime build-up, so can clutter. If your room is overcrowded with stuff, it’s a good idea to clear some of your belongings out. Donate items you no longer need or want, and find hidden, permanent homes for the items you use just once in a while. Decluttering is an inexpensive way to add value. 


7) Unpleasant smells


Not only do offensive smells leave a bad and lasting impression, but they can also hurt your property value. Whether the lingering odor is cigarette smoke, pet odor, or mold, it’s best to identify the root of the smell and eliminate it. Avoid masking the smell with a strong perfume or fragrance.  To avoid unpleasant smells altogether, it’s best to keep your home clean. Routine cleaning includes vacuuming and dusting regularly, wiping down countertops and surfaces, and cleaning the bathroom and kitchen. 





Source: Redfin Blog

Dusty Rhodes Properties is the Best Realtor in Myrtle Beach! We do everything in our power to help you find the home of your dreams. With experience, expertise, and passion, we are the perfect partner for you in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. We love what we do and it shows. With more than 22 years of experience in the field, we know our industry like the back of our hands. There’s no challenge too big or too small, and we dedicate our utmost energy to every project we take on. We search thousands of the active and new listings from Aynor, Carolina Forest, Conway, Garden City Beach, Longs, Loris, Murrells Inlet, Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Island, and Surfside Beach real estate listings to find the hottest deals just for you!

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Myrtle Beach OKs extension for halting new long-term rentals near ocean

By Dusty Rhodes • November 18, 2024
Myrtle Beach City Council on Tuesday approved first reading to extend the temporary moratorium established in the spring that halted converting short-term rentals into long-term ones. The original ordinance passed first reading on April 9 and second reading on May 14. It imposed a 270-day halt on “acceptance, review and approval of applications to convert multi-family short-term rental properties to multi-family long-term rental properties within an area spanning from the east or seaward side of Ocean Boulevard to Kings Highway, and from Grand Dunes Boulevard to the point where Ocean Boulevard and Kings Highway intersect near the south city limits,” the ordinance reads. The 270-day halt was set to expire in January, according to the ordinance. The extension adds another 60 days to the moratorium. The council also approved a motion to declare certain vehicles abandoned or derelict in an effort to improve the appearance of both commercial and residential neighborhoods. “This report includes vehicles staff tagged as abandoned or derelict. Council’s approval allows these vehicles to be towed from their private property locations to a tow yard where they may be reclaimed by the current owner upon payment of the applicable towing and storage fees,” the motion reads. “If the vehicles are not claimed by the owner within 30 days of the required notice, then the tow company may sell the vehicle and keep the proceeds as compensation.” All four items on the consent agenda passed, including three grants of $110,262, $84,825 and $300,000. The $110,262 grant comes from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety and is for continuation of Myrtle Beach police’s Project Safe Neighborhoods program. According to the motion, the funds will be used “to support the full-time NIBIN detective dedicated to the acquisition, correlation, analysis, investigation, and prosecution of gun and gun-related crimes.” The $84,825 grant comes from the South Carolina Attorney General for the Violence Against Women Act. Those funds will be used “to support the hiring of a Police Victim Advocate dedicated to immediately responding to the safety needs of victims of violent crime. This position will allow Myrtle Beach police to provide, enhance, and expand its direct services to primary and secondary victims.” The $300,000 grant comes from the South Carolina Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services and will allow Myrtle Beach police to establish a Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) program. “LEAD is a pre-booking diversion program that allows law enforcement that allows law enforcement to redirect low-level offenders to community services, including mental health services and drug rehabilitation,” the motion reads. “MBPD will use this funding for two Health Outreach Coordinators and scholarships for participants.” Before the meeting, proclamations were also made recognizing former Horry County Police Chief Joe Hill, who retired last month, as well as Horry County Administrator Steve Gosnell, who will retire in December. Gosnell was awarded the Order of the Palmetto in September.

Ways to Thank Service Members and Veterans

By Dusty Rhodes • November 11, 2024
While any time is a good time to thank military members for their service, some military-related holidays and observances are an especially great time to recognize those who took the oath to serve and protect our country. Looking to show your appreciation for service members and veterans beyond just words? Here are a few ideas. Acts of Service Buy a meal. If you see a service member in uniform or recognize someone is a veteran while dining out, picking up the tab for their meal is a nice gesture – and an even better surprise. Lend a hand. Are you good at carpentry, plumbing, or landscaping? Do you enjoy sewing, cooking, or cleaning? Offer your skills to help a military family in need, especially if a service member is deployed. Using these skills to show your support could ] brighten someone’s day and make life a little easier for military families juggling responsibilities. Volunteer at a VA hospital or veterans’ shelter. Not every veteran has someone checking up on them, so seeing a friendly face, especially during times of struggle, could mean more than you know. VA medical facilities depend on volunteers to help with various services, including visiting patients, running errands, or helping facilitate recreational activities. In addition, serving meals at a veterans’ shelter or donating goods to food pantries and shelters that serve veterans helps ensure basic needs are being cared for. Connect With Veteran Networks Participate in parades and other veteran events. Many cities hold parades and celebration events during military-related holidays, like Memorial Day and Veterans Day. By attending the events, you can show your gratitude in person. Consider joining wreath-laying ceremonies for Memorial Day to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice, or take your family to one of the many Veterans Day events across the country to show your support. Check-in with military families. If you know someone or have neighbors with a service member in the family who is stationed away from their loved ones, take time to check in and let them know you’re there to help if needed. The simple gesture will help the family know they have support and give the service member more peace of mind, knowing there is someone nearby to look in on their family members . Listen to veterans’ stories. If you meet a veteran, take time to connect and learn more about their time in service. You’ll likely be amazed and inspired by their stories. If you’re a company or organization seeking a veteran speaker for an event or fundraiser, programs like Wounded Warrior Project’s Warriors Speak® give warriors and military caregivers a platform to share their stories and raise awareness of the needs of injured veterans. Donate to a veterans’ charity. One of the easiest and most impactful ways to honor service members and veterans is to donate to a veterans service organization (VSO). Wounded Warrior Project is dedicated to serving veterans and their families by providing a holistic approach to care, including mental wellness , physical health and wellness , peer support , financial education , and much more. Supporting VSOs is a meaningful way to empower veterans to thrive and live their lives to the fullest. Send a Military Care Package Another way to thank active-duty service members is to send a military care package. Even during peacetime, there are things service members stationed in the U.S. and abroad can use and enjoy. It also doesn’t hurt to get an unexpected gift and reminder of home when you’re away from family. Here are some ideas on what to send in a military care package: Toiletries: Items like deodorant, soap, shampoo, and razors are always needed and appreciated. Costs for these little things can add up, and they are necessary, whether in the field, deployed overseas, or even at home. Deck of cards, puzzles, books. Even with all our modern technology, a deck of playing cards is a classic care package item. Books, puzzles, and games can also be a fun way to pass the time on deployment, in the field (if allowed), or at the barracks. Feminine-hygiene products. Women are the fastest-growing demographic of veterans, and more and more are serving in the Armed Forces. Sending items specifically to women warriors shows them they’re being seen for their service and helps provide much-needed supplies that are often an extra expense for servicewomen. Snacks. Consider portable snacks like beef jerky, trail mix, or energy bars for warriors in combat zones. For those in basic training or stationed away from home, send local treats or popular snacks that are easy to share. Add comfort items like soup cups, instant coffee, flavored drink mixes, or cookies. A card or letter. It’s always nice to hear that what you’re doing is appreciated. When sending a note or card in a military care package, include how important the service member’s sacrifice is to you why it matters. Reading these words of support and appreciation can go a long way in brightening someone’s day. Regardless of how you decide to show your appreciation to service members and veterans, we must never forget the sacrifice members of the U.S. Armed Forces are willing to make for us. Find out other ways you can help wounded veterans. Contact: — Paris Moulden, Public Relations, pmoulden@woundedwarriorproject.org, 904.570.7910 About Wounded Warrior Project Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers — helping them achieve their highest ambition. Learn more . 

Why Home Sales Historically Bounce Back After Presidential Elections

By Dusty Rhodes • October 28, 2024
With the 2024 Presidential election fast approaching, you might be wondering what impact, if any, it’s having on the housing market. Let’s break it down. Election Years Bring a Temporary Slowdown In any given year, home sales slow down slightly in the fall. It’s a typical, seasonal trend. However, according to data from BTIG , in election years there’s usually a slightly larger dip in home sales in the month leading up to Election Day ( see graph below ): 
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