Your home could be worth tens of thousands less than you think – and it might not be anything you’ve done wrong.
A realtor has warned that property values can plummet by up to $50,000 due to seemingly minor issues.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Mail, realtor Michael Bachmann revealed the 12 factors that can slash property values.
Bachmann is based in Connecticut, a state known for its Martha Stewart-style perfection and the value placed on immaculate homes. However, his advice is pertinent across the United States.
He warns that homeowners may be unaware of what that could devastate their property’s worth.
1.Parking problems
Bachmann highlighted how homes without driveways, on one-way streets, or with awkward access can see dramatic value drops
In today’s multi-car families, parking has become non-negotiable.
Bachmann highlighted how homes without driveways, on one-way streets, or with awkward access can see dramatic value drops.
‘No driveway? One-way street? Choppy floorplan? These things might not show in the listing, but they show up in person,’ he warned.
‘Limited functionality equals limited appeal, especially for families or anyone with multiple cars.’
2. Personalization gone wrong
While homeowners often take pride in bold renovations, Bachmann cautions that extreme personalization can backfire
While homeowners often take pride in bold renovations, Bachmann cautions that extreme personalization can backfire.
‘Bold wallpaper, neon accent lighting, or themed bedrooms might be perceived as ‘cool’ by homeowners, but potential buyers often view these features as additional expenses they will have to incur to revert to a more neutral aesthetic,’ he pointed out.
‘Custom doesn’t always mean value-add. Sometimes it means expensive headache.’
3. The flood zone curse
Flooding is an increasing risk in many neighborhoods around the country
Flooding is an increasing risk in many neighborhoods around the country.
Even properties that have never flooded can suffer devastating value losses if they’re designated as flood zones.
‘Being designated as being in a FEMA flood zone comes with requirements such as mandatory insurance, increased monthly expenses, stricter loan conditions, and frequently a more limited pool of prospective buyers,’ Bachmann cautioned.
‘Many deals die over this alone. It’s not about what’s happened – it’s about what could happen.’
4. Lingering odors
Finally, Bachmann reveals one of the most underestimated value-killers: lingering odors
Bachmann reveals one of the most underestimated value-killers: lingering odors.
‘Cigarette smoke, pet urine, moldy basements – even faint smells can turn off buyers within seconds.
‘It’s emotional, immediate, and often more damaging than cosmetic flaws. Scent is hard to clean, and buyers know it.’
5. Hidden dangers
One of the most surprising revelations from Bachmann concerns buried oil tanks – a problem many homeowners don’t even know they have
One of the most surprising revelations from Bachmann concerns buried oil tanks – a problem many homeowners don’t even know they have.
‘Buried tanks, especially unregistered or unused ones, can trigger serious environmental concerns.
Many lenders won’t finance until they’re tested or removed, and insurance companies may deny coverage outright.’
6. The tax trap
Property taxes might seem like someone else’s problem, but Bachmann claims they’re crushing deals across the market
Property taxes might seem like someone else’s problem, but Bachmann claims they’re crushing deals across the market.
‘Buyers shop based on monthly payment, not just sticker price.
‘High taxes can kill affordability,’ he said.
‘Especially if there’s no clear payoff like top-tier schools or services,’ Bachmann continued. ‘That leads to fewer offers and longer time on market.’
7. Building restorations
Zoning restrictions and easements might seem like technical details, but they can severely limit a property’s appeal to buyers
Zoning restrictions and easements might seem like technical details, but they can severely limit a property’s appeal to buyers.
‘If you can’t build up, add on, or put in a pool due to zoning or utility easements, that affects the long-term potential.’
‘Buyers with big plans will think twice if the lot’s future is limited.’
8. Structural nightmares
Structural issues top Bachmann’s list of value-destroying factors
A variety of structural issues top Bachmann’s list of value-destroying factors.
‘Uneven floors, cracking walls, or signs of movement scare buyers and lenders alike. Even minor issues can trigger further inspections and costly repairs, and major ones often lead to steep price reductions.’
9. The permit problem
Unpermitted work can turn your pride and joy into a legal liability
Unpermitted work can turn your pride and joy into a legal liability.
‘If a seller finished the basement or added a deck without permits, it raises liability issues,’ he said.
‘And this might even make it illegal to use those features as living space,’ he continued.
‘Most buyers won’t touch it without proper documentation.’
10. Outdated systems
Old infrastructure might work for current owners, but it can cause trouble for future buyers and their mortgages
Old infrastructure might work for current owners, but it can cause trouble for future buyers and their mortgages.
‘Old roofs, electrical panels, ancient boilers, or plumbing from the 1950s – these are big-ticket concerns that lower appraised value and invite lowball offers.’
‘Buyers are doing the math and subtracting accordingly.’
11. Bad neighbors
Even a neighbor’s overgrown garden can affect the price of your home. ‘It only takes one neglected yard, noisy household, or junk-strewn property to make an entire block less desirable,’ Bachmann reveals
Your neighbors can affect the price of your home.
‘It only takes one neglected yard, noisy household, or junk-strewn property to make an entire block less desirable,’ Bachmann reveals.
‘Buyers judge the surrounding environment in seconds – and it absolutely impacts perceived value.’
The property expert has witnessed once-desirable streets become buyer no-go zones thanks to a single problem neighbor.
From overgrown gardens to cars on bricks in driveways, these external eyesores can knock thousands off your home’s value before potential buyers even step through the front door.
12. Noise pollution
Living near busy roads, railway lines, or late-night establishments might seem manageable to current residents, but Bachmann warns it’s a ‘quality-of-life killer’ for potential buyers
Living near busy roads, railway lines, or late-night establishments might seem manageable to current residents, but Bachmann warns it’s a ‘quality-of-life killer’ for potential buyers.
‘Homes near highways, train tracks, or bars may be structurally solid, but noise is devastating,’ he explained.
‘Buyers imagine sleepless nights, and appraisers factor in external nuisances – which can shrink both offers and loan values significantly.’
The bottom line
According to Bachmann, the key message for homeowners is simple. These issues don’t just affect your quality of life – they could be silently destroying your biggest asset
According to Bachmann, the key message for homeowners is simple.
These issues don’t just affect your quality of life – they could be silently destroying your biggest asset.
Some can be fixed, others require working around them, but ignoring them can cost you when it’s time to sell.
