New To A Neighborhood? 3 Ways To Help Protect Property Values

Local property values can dictate what your home is worth if you ever sell, since other homes on your street may be used as comparable properties during your appraisal. However, it's your responsibility as a homeowner to help to keep property values healthy by making good choices about your new home. Here are three ways to help protect neighborhood property values. 

1. Keep Updates in Line with Local Standards

While you may be crazy about lime green exterior paint or excited to install solar panels in every possible spot available on your roof, it's always a good idea to keep aesthetics in mind. Regardless of whether you have an HOA that dictates exterior home improvement standards, make sure any exterior updates match the aesthetics of the neighborhood. When you choose paint colors, new fence materials, or even landscaping, try to make sure your selections don't stand out too significantly. 

For instance, if the homes on your street are painted neutrals like white, beige, and gray, painting your home a bright color may not fall in line with local standards, which could decrease the value of your home. If enough people follow suit, your neighborhood values could suffer. 

2. Report Anything Strange

Crime is another issue that can lower neighborhood property values, so make sure to report anything you see that doesn't seem to blend in. Pay close attention to your neighborhood, and report any strange activities, such as loitering, strange cars casing the area, or aggressive salesmen. By doing your part to report problems, you may be able to prevent crime, which could protect values. 

3. Maintain Your Home and Yard 

Never neglect your home exterior or yard. Instead, focus on keeping your home in great shape. Keep your lawn cut and trimmed during the summer, and check for things like irrigation problems, which could create issues with your landscaping. If the outside of your house needs to be repaired, consider hiring a professional so projects aren't left unfinished or completed improperly. 

If you move into a new area and you are concerned about how things will go, take the time to talk with your new neighbors to ask about their experiences. Try to learn as much as possible about the local culture, volunteer opportunities, and different ways to give back. By actively participating in group and community events, you can make new friends, get to know your neighbors, and keep those property values in great shape.