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Fischer: No matter how nice, no home is safe from these deal killers

By Jen Fischer - Special to the Standard-Examiner | Mar 24, 2023

Photo supplied

Jen Fischer

One day last week, when the sun had inadvertently peeked its bright rays through the clouds for a few minutes, I had a moment of premature hope that we could possibly see a glimpse of spring in Utah after all. As a result, I began my allotted 30-minute shopping spree for a new spring wardrobe. Since I abhor shopping in every way imaginable, I have done some research over the years and have three specific online stores I have found that carry my style and size. This has saved me a ton of aimless perusing time over the years. One of my favorite go-to sites was advertising a 70% off sale on select clothing. In addition, if I used a given code word at checkout, I could get an additional 15% off my entire order. I ended up only finding one pair of pants that was my size and style (which could really be very loosely defined) but I paid 15% off the original price for these name-brand pants. I consider that a KILLER DEAL.

While killer deals can make for bright occasions, deal killers can quickly darken the proverbial sky, especially in real estate. Deal killers can be any condition that prevents the salability of a home if left unresolved. While most, if not all, of these conditions can be subjective to the buyers’ or sellers’ proposed use of the property, there are some generalized basics that cause me cringe-worthy pause. Since real estate is one of the largest financial investments that most people make in their lives, it is imperative that both buyers and sellers are aware of any conditions that could inhibit the future sale of the property.

One of the most common “deal killers” for many buyers surrounds the issue of location. While we all know that the exact same home can vary widely in value depending on where it sits, there are some specific reasons that one may be a more difficult sell than the other. At the risk of receiving a number of complaints for “outing” these issues, I can only submit that I’m just the messenger.

Although we are all exposed to low-frequency radiation on the daily just by being around electronic devices, large power lines seem to elicit a widely controversial response surrounding the level of radiation that they can emit. There is credible research done on both sides of the argument. Regardless of which side you subscribe to, there is no question that homes that stand very close to large-voltage power lines suffer in salability. While you may get a good deal when buying, you will also need to give a good deal when selling.

Train tracks can be another location deal killer for some. A train can literally shake a house if it is close enough to the tracks. Although most residential neighborhoods near train tracks have noise ordinances preventing horn blowing at night, there is nothing that can be done about the noise and vibration.

The same can really be said for busy streets. Homes that are built on high-traffic roads or near freeways are more difficult to sell for obvious reasons. Having been the owner of one such home in my early years, I can attest that noise pollution is a real thing. The upside, however, was that I knew what time it was everyday just by the amount of traffic noise.

While people are dying to get into cemeteries, many deals have been killed in the process of purchasing a house next to one. Whether it is the fear of ghosts in close proximity or just superstition at fault, I would argue that there aren’t quieter neighbors to be found in any other neighborhood.

Industrial plants, nuclear waste facilities and prisons are all potential deal killers as well. At least with the prisons, your neighbors likely won’t be bugging you to borrow a cup of sugar. Perhaps this makes this particular property a little more appealing.

Jen Fischer is an associate broker and Realtor. She can be reached at 801-645-2134 or jen@jen-fischer.com.

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