Before you add a fence to your property, know the guidelines to follow so you increase your property value and don’t run the risk of decreasing it!
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If you are thinking about erecting a fence on your property, be sure that the fence you choose adds to your property’s curb appeal and value – selecting the wrong fence for your home can have just the opposite effect. Follow these guidelines and you won’t go wrong when choosing the best fence for your home.
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In 1914, Robert Frost wrote in a poem, “Good fences make good neighbors.” He then said, “Something there is that doesn’t love a wall.” Although a metaphor in “Mending Wall,” it illustrates the different views on erecting fences and begs the question of whether or not putting up a fence remains an important issue for many homeowners today. Fences can add value, privacy and security. But is building a fence always the best answer? How will it affect the value of your home?
Why Build A Fence?
The main reasons a homeowner may choose to build a fence are:
Not All Fences Are Created Equal
If you decide to install or fix an existing fence, be aware that the value added will depend on several factors. They are:
How Fences Affect Property Value
For top home value, it is imperative that fences are well maintained and have not fallen into disrepair. A fence is like a person’s calling card. It is the first thing that someone will notice about the property, and your home only has one time to make a first impression.
A poorly maintained or downright ugly fence will only detract from the property’s street appeal, and lower the property’s value. You can be sure that potential home buyers will be mentally envisioning having an unsightly fence torn down shortly after closing. Whatever they think that cost will be, will surely be deducted from their initial offering price. So if you are planning on putting your home on the market, and your fence is unsightly or in general disrepair, either tear the fence down or fix it.
However, a well-maintained fence that enhances the property and fits in with the neighborhood will surely add to the property’s value.
Don’t Add The Wrong Fence
If you are thinking of adding a fence to your property, there are a couple of things you should know before you proceed.
Personal Taste Matters
Finally, as in Robert Frost’s poem, thoughts about fences are a personal matter. For some people, a fence around a home may represent warmth, security and privacy; they envision their children and pets gleefully playing on a sunny Sunday afternoon. However, other people may see a fence and wonder, “Hmmm. Is there a reason this home needs a fence. Is there a high crime rate, or bad neighbors?”
When it comes to fencing, the smart real estate guidelines are simple: If your home has a fence, keep it well maintained; if it is an eyesore tear it down. If you want to add a fence, add one that fits the architecture of the house and your neighborhood. If you don’t have a fence, don’t feel you need to add one just to increase property value, after all - the buyer may not like fences. However a good-looking fence that is well suited to your home’s architecture and neighborhood, will likely add to the value of your home and not detract from it, so if you want a fence to enhance your current home or lifestyle, go for it!