The Most Surprising Things That Can Tank a Home’s Value
You might think it takes a massive repair or a bad neighborhood to tank a home’s value—but sometimes it’s the small stuff that quietly drives buyers away or drops offers fast. Here are three of the most surprising (and fixable!) things that can hurt what your home is worth:
• Funky Smells – Pet odors, cigarette smoke, or musty basement smells can be dealbreakers. Buyers start wondering what else has been neglected… and how much it’ll cost to fix.
• Poor Curb Appeal – It doesn’t take much: an overgrown yard, peeling paint, or a busted mailbox can leave a bad first impression before they even step inside.
• Personalization Overload – Your hobby room dedicated to taxidermy? That custom mural of your dog? Buyers want to picture themselves living there—not be reminded of how much you love clowns or Star Wars.
🔍 The truth is, buyers are often influenced by things that feel small but create an emotional reaction. You only get one first impression—make it count.
💬 What’s the smallest thing you’ve seen impact a home’s value? Drop your answer in the comments—I’d love to hear your stories.
Buying or selling a home in the Auburn or Opelika area? Contact Laura Sellers at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate and let’s make sure your property shines inside and out.
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