By Brooke Chaplan
Every property owner is a potential investor, especially if the asset you own is a nice mountain home. The market for properties located in the mountains has been getting considerable attention from prospective buyers who used to be mainly interested in coastal homes.
Related: What to Look for in a Single-Family Investment Property
The problem with homes by the sea is that their market has been transformed by excessive demand, which is why many buyers can only find cramped beach condos these days. Mountain homes, on the other hand, tend to be larger and offer more privacy; plus, their values are still reasonable when compared to beach properties.
If you are the proud owner of a mountain home, here are four things you can do to maximize their value:
Natural Landscaping
Your mountain home should reflect the natural vegetation that surrounds it, but this does not mean letting weeds grow wild and out of control. Native species are always your best bet; you should refrain from planting non-native species that can end up becoming invasive. At the same time, the landscaping should not be manicured like in a golf course or tropical resort.
Focusing on Curb Appeal
First impressions are crucial when selling all kinds of residential properties, and this certainly applies to mountain homes. When prospective buyers approach your property, they will pay attention to factors such as exterior paint, cleanliness and state of repair. If, for example, the wooden front door with a natural finish has been exposed to the elements, it would be a good idea to treat the surface. Don't forget about details such as trim lines and garden paths.
Pest Control
Owners of mountain homes know that failure to fumigate periodically can make things really difficult. You really want to avoid having to deal with visible infestations when prospective buyers arrive, as some of them may be skittish to the point of abandoning any illusions of negotiating a purchase. If you have documentation of ongoing pest control efforts, seeing a few ants or other insects will not bother most buyers.
Heating and Air Circulation
Natural ventilation and cooling systems are trending among buyers, so this could be a good retrofit idea for your mountain home. Heating systems tend to be more important when selling mountain properties, especially in regions prone to heavy snowfall. Buyers will certainly appreciate homes that have more than one heating system as an emergency backup measure.
Finally, getting the most out of your mountain property boils down to attracting the most desirable buyers. Retaining the services of a real estate professional who has built a nice book of clients interested in mountain living can go a long way in terms of closing a successful sale.
Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, N.M. She recommends researching residential properties in your area. For more information, contact Chaplan via Facebook at facebook.com/brooke.chaplan or Twitter @BrookeChaplan
