Most people often ask about the current loan rates for a 30-year mortgage. However, few ever think about the effects of urban decay upon the value of their property; or even how it effects the value of our neighbors’ property. When we lose value, we are losing money in our investment. This is not much different than paying higher interest rates for our mortgage. It can be very costly. By allowing our own real properties to deteriorate, we are effectively imposing a detriment to our neighboring properties. Ultimately, it affects our community at large. Everyone loses either directly or indirectly. Then the real estate appraisers come in and assess the appreciating or depreciating value of our home based upon its worth and recent sales history in our immediate neighborhood within a half mile to a mile or even over a 3 – 6-month span. Look at your location. Would you buy into that neighborhood? Location, location, location. The appearance of your community reflects the value of your home. Appraisers conduct drive-bys and take photos through our neighborhoods. You may not have a lot of money to do any major upgrades to your property. Then again, there are a few things that we can do to improve the appearance of your home or even possibly improve the value of your property by making a few strategic choices that can be cost effective as well.