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Dennis Lanni

The verdict on chain link fences and property value

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Do chain link fences increase or decrease property value in a neighborhood? I asked this question to some very experienced real estate agents and investors in the Sacramento area, and here is what they said:

Eric Peterson with Praxis Capital: We remove the chain link fences 100% of the time. We do the same to a house with bars on the windows. When buyers see this stuff they immediately think about safety concerns. It’s not the mindset you want to instill in a prospective buyer. If the houses around our target property have chain link fences, we likely will pass on the house. It’s just all about perception and no one wants to make a huge purchase decision while worrying about the safety of the street. 

example of chain link fence

Jeff Grenz with Erik Berry & Associates 916-425-3228: When I am evaluating homes for investor purchases… If the only home on the street with a chain link front yard fence is the home I’m evaluating, I include a cost to remove the fence, a few hundred dollars…but you can’t remove it from adjacent homes. Landscape and presentation of the subject and adjoining homes impacts the speed of the sale, and ultimately the price. Chain link yells “DISTRESSED”

When I see chain link in the front yard, I start looking for why… where is the big dog? Is there a high crime problem? Is there loitering? Will a potential buyer be asking the same thing and how many will pass by without even looking? I will lose prospective buyers.

It’s an economic decision…. as you lose prospective buyers and narrow your field, it costs more time to sell and you have to discount, both of which devalue the property.

Dennis Lanni with Housing Group Fund: It would not matter to me, but the chain link fence represents what kind of neighborhood it is. It tells me that safety is a concern, sort of like security doors but worse.

example of chain link fence

Kaleena Amuchastegui with Capri Property Real Estate: Automatically what comes to mind when you mention a front yard chain link fence is a home in an undesirable neighborhood, there is just something about chain link that screams it’s needed to be there to protect a home, not to mention it’s a huge eye sore in my opinion. I think of older neighborhoods that are run-down, I think of areas with higher crime rates… I know that if we acquired a property with a chain link fence around from auction there is a 90% chance we would remove it. I also know we would never add a chain link fence to a property.

Max Boyko with Team Hybrid Real Estate Services: Of course what I think and my investors think can be a different thing, but I would say chain link fences are definitely one of the most unappealing items in a neighborhood. It varies case by case, but primarily my investors would take them out, which I agree with. I wouldn’t say they would pass on a property if it was a good deal, but it takes away the appealing factor and creates a sense of poor security in the neighborhood, which may turn off potential buyers

Please note if you have a chain link fence, nobody is targeting you or saying you’re bringing down the neighborhood. These are simply the opinions of experienced real estate agents and investors. Of course, it may be worth considering what they are saying since they are constantly buying properties to fix and sell on the open market. Clearly they’re in touch with the perceptions of buyers, what makes a difference in property value and the reality of how important impressions are for a neighborhood. If certain elements of fence design give off a negative impression for the community, what can be done about it? What options exist?

If you want further information, I wrote a series last year called “Blight Week” that might provide some more insight into this important conversation. I wrote a previous post that shows a variety of different types of fences and considers the influence a front fence can have on a property. I firmly believe any neighborhood that is experiencing signs of decay has the potential to see better days with a little intention. There is always hope and we can find and experience that together too.

What do you think about chain link fences? Do you agree with the specialists above?

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How to increase curb appeal for less than $100

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We’ve come to the end of “Blight Week“, so it seems fitting to finish this discussion with some very practical ideas for how to easily help a neighborhood look better. I asked seven trusted Sacramento real estate professionals for some tips on how to increase curb appeal for less than $100, and here is what they said:

Keith Klassen, Burmaster Real Estate Services: While pruning and planting is the stand-by and must do for curb appeal on the cheap, many times painting either the front door or just the trim on the home can make it stand out.  I know someone else who takes the window screens off the front of the home, which when left on gives the house “black eyes.”

Jacque McBurney, Dean Adams Residential Brokerage: Here are some suggestions for outside of the home under $100: Keep lawn mowed and trimmed. Spray down any spider webs and bird droppings. If you have spare paint – paint trim and/or entry door to make a cleaner appearance. Fix broken porch lights, address plates or mail boxes. Replace worn doormat and torn screens. Plant new flowers in front & put down new bark. Get rid of any debris or old boxes/garbage that may be in sight (less is more). If you show pride of ownership others will see it and that will make your home more desirable than any other home on the block. First impressions are the most important!

tamara-dorrisTamara Dorris, Realtor: I would say the best, cheapest way to give a house-front a facelift would be to get rid of all the garbage and debris, trim back shrubs, weeds, overgrowth, wash windows, (all pretty much free), and for your budget, paint trim and plant some bright flowers.

kellie-swayneKellie Swayne, Dunnigan Realtors: I’ve found that a LOT can be done for free by owners to increase their curb appeal.  The first and most important thing is to put a little sweat equity into the home and spend some time outside!  Mow the lawn, edge, weed the gardens, trim the trees and shrubs, clean the gutters, dust away the cobwebs, water blast any stains off of concrete, porches or siding, get the paint out of the garage and touch up any places that might need it, and CLEAN THE WINDOWS.  If trees are lacking, get in touch with SMUD and the Sacramento Tree Foundation who offer free shade trees! I’ve also noticed that sometimes homes that look a little plain in the front can be dressed up with some inexpensive shutters, if the space is right. I would also recommend putting a little bit of the $100 toward some fresh colorful flowers.  Or, if the landscaping is already colorful – think about adding some shredded bark or mulch of some kind.  You can even get free wood chips from PG&E (800-743-5000).

Dennis Lanni, Housing Group Fund: How about replacing broken & old single pane windows for free!  Sacramento is an amazing community with rich resources to spur community improvement. One of my favorite programs running right now is the Community Resource Project, which is a free program that promotes energy conservation by upgrading windows, door weather-stripping and much more.

LJ, Connect Realty: If your home is currently on the market, there are likely many competing sales nearby. This means your home has to sparkle in order to draw buyers. One great way to facilitate this is by pressure washing your driveway and the sidewalk in front of your home. This can drastically reduce unsightly oil stains and other discolorations. Fences can also be pressured washed, but beware because pressure washers release a very strong stream of water that may damage wood surfaces if you use the wrong tip or operate the spray nozzle too close to the surface. Pressure washers can often be rented for approximately $50-$60 per day at select Lowe’s and Home Depot stores.

Heather Ostrom, RosevilleandRocklin.com: I know not everyone has the budget for big fixes or upgrades, so I think just sweeping up the driveway and sidewalk as well as picking up trash does wonders. Mowed and maintained lawns and hedged bushes and shrubs are also something that really has high-impact. If a car must be kept in the driveway or on the street, keep it web-free and clean. Paint your front door or mailbox if it’s looking dingy and worn because it can be a high-profile yard item.

Can we solve blight? There are no simple answers to end blight in a community because it is a complex issue, yet at the same time a focus on getting to know neighbors and taking care of some of the small signs of neighborhood decay is a relevant place to begin. It’s these “small things” that really add up to help make or break the image of a neighborhood and impact the ethos of the community too. Thank you everyone for reading along this week.

What do you think of the tips? Anything else you’d like to add?

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Before & After Pictures: Redevelopment

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I asked a friend if I could post some images of before and after from one if his recent redeveloped properties. When we hear the word “flip” we sometimes think of an investor slopping on some paint and doing basic cosmetic repairs to hide the real condition of the property. That’s not the case though with Housing Group Fund, a local company in the Sacramento area. They are one of a handful of builders who are doing some really great redevelopment work with SHRA under the umbrella of the NSP, which stands for “Neighborhood Stabilization Program”.

Enjoy some before and after pictures of an entry level home in Sacramento.

If you have any questions about the NSP, I am happy to let you know what I know, or connect you with Dennis Lanni of Housing Group Fund. No, I am not being paid to advertise somebody’s services. It’s definitely worth mentioning though because many first-time homebuyers are finding really great homes in fantastic condition. Moreoever, this type of redevelopment helps challenged neighborhoods improve.