Get matched with top antique and jewelry appraisers in Felton, DE

In short, yes, a pond can add to your home’s value. However, whether it adds value will depend on the condition and aesthetic of your pond. Having this feature already built into a yard’s home can be appealing to homebuyers who value its aesthetic and would prefer not to build it themselves. But if it is not kept in good condition, it could turn buyers away.

If you can’t find any records online, you’ll need to contact your county clerk’s office to do further research. They should have property records on file, or can at least point you in the right direction of who to contact. You can also speak with your neighbors about when their houses were built because they were likely built around the same time.

As a seller, it might feel tempting to skip the appraisal, especially in a hot market that sees a lot of all-cash offers. While you can technically forgo it and hope for an all-cash offer, you’ll likely have a very tough time selling without an appraisal. 

In addition to protecting lenders from risk, appraisals also protect buyers’ investments. As such, it isn’t typically recommended for buyers to skip appraisals.

In most cases, you can expect home automation to boost your home value. This technology makes the homeowner’s life easier and more comfortable, and some provide increased safety and protection. Buyers will likely recognize value in security systems and utility monitors, as well as comfort-focused upgrades that save on electric bills while keeping interior rooms at the desired temperature and humidity. On average, you can expect a 50% and 75% return on investment on home automation services, and potentially even more if the automation reduces homeowner’s insurance.