As a 35-year-old to 55-year-old you are probably at a stage in your life looking to add value to your home. The need may be based on your lifestyle needs or on a need to unbundle and move onto the next phase of your life. Whatever your reason, it is a real estate secret that a fence adds value to the overall price of your home on buying, selling, or renting and is a “must-have “ for buyers with small children and pets.

The point of contention is the weighted value a fence adds to a property. The rate of investment (ROI)  can be as much as 50% or more on selling the house. The hardline truth is that a fence adds value to a property in the sense that you will get a higher price than were your property not surrounded by a fence. You will however not be able to recoup the entire cost of installation of the fence but only a fraction thereof.

A structurally sound fence that is visually appealing may uplift the appearance of the exterior of your home and that of your garden and yard. It must be cohesive with the design and style of the house. If not, it could reduce the price of the home significantly or make the home a hard sell.

Why add a fence?

Homeowners install or potential home buyers cite the need for a fenced-off house to:

• Create a private space far from the eyes of prying neighbors.
• Ensure children and pets do not run or wander off into the street or neighborhood.
• Protect your lawn or property from wild animals in outlying areas.
• Give your house visual appeal.
• Demarcate your property’s boundaries.
• Enhance curb appeal.
• Section off parts of your house.
• Block out unsightly sights.
• Neighborhood trends or HOA may dictate the need for uniformity as this extends to fences.
• An unfenced in a largely fenced-off neighborhood would be an eyesore and would attract unwanted attention in terms of privacy and security not to mention the ire of the neighbors.
• Reduce noise along highways and railways by as much as 60- 80%.
• Enclose a swimming pool as per regulations.

Things to consider when installing a fence

Installing a fence entails continuous maintenance through the years to extend the longevity of the fence. It is a cost you must factor in and be prepared to bear. Another factor is that your neighbor may not consent to the installation of the fence resulting in arguments and squabbles.

A fence may also hide your landscaped garden which you are proud to show off. If you reside in a wooded or rural area, a fence may injure animals trying to pass through and may be more of a liability.

The location of your home and the regional climatic conditions may also affect the materials you use. Another factor to consider is the warranty period being offered by the contractor.

Planning for a new fence

Consider if repairing or replacing your existing fence is a viable option. Vinyl, chain link, or decorative metal fences can often be repaired at sections needing attention and does not need to be repaired or replaced in its entirety.

Wood fences often need to be removed and replaced after 10-20 years if due care and maintenance was given during this time. It not it would need to be sooner. Next, consider the utilitarian need for the fence and the access points you would require.

The next step in getting that new fence installed is to consider boundary lines, electrical lines and water connections, legal height restrictions, the available space,  permits needed to install a fence, or get a qualified contractor in to take these issues over from you.

It would also be a major boost in your favor and count towards your neighborliness to consult with your neighbor on your intention to install a new fence as he will in some way be affected by your decision. Once all these preliminary matters have been dealt with, you need to look at the type of fence you would prefer to have and the related costs involved.

A typical new fence costs between $2,000 and $4,500 nationwide, but it could cost as little as $500 or as much as $8,500 in certain markets. On average it would take between 30 -50 hours if DIYed and about $300+ for equipment or between 20-30 hours equipment included if professionally done. Prices are determined by materials used, length and height of the fence, and sometimes the removal and haulage of an existing fence.

Types of fences

Wire fencing and bamboo are some of the more cost-effective fence options available. They may not be durable in the long term. Chain link fencing is widely used and can be reinforced with barbed or razor wire.

It is reasonably priced but does not afford much privacy, is used more for security, and is not pleasing to the eye. Vines or paint can be used to cover chain-link fencing creating a chic look while hiding the starkness and industrial nature of the fence.

Vinyl as seen on many white picket fences is popular, decorative, and does not require much maintenance. It is durable and long-lasting, about five times stronger than wood, and is perfect for areas with strong winds. It is not damaged by termites, rot, fire, or fungus. It is however expensive, difficult to replace, and is prone to fading.

Wood Is good for privacy, moderately priced, aesthetically pleasing, and has a lifespan between 10 -20 years. Being an organic material it would need annual maintenance. It is ideal if used to keep pets in and can be stained to coordinate with the color of the house.

Aluminum is expensive and looks like wrought iron. It is low maintenance, corrosion-free, and gives a polished look to any house. It is however not as durable in some environments. Wrought iron is expensive to install with an average price range of around $1,317 to $4,900 , with a national average of around $3,105. It is highly decorative making a house look classier but is high maintenance needing regular treatment against rust.

The ultimate fencing option is brick. It is long-lasting, expensive, and gives the most amount of privacy. Despite its initial cost, it may in some instances work out to be more cost-effective in the long run.

Hiring a contractor

Make sure the company is reliable through verifiable references or favorable reviews. The company record should also indicate experience and it should possess the necessary licenses.

There should be a high level of workmanship and the pricing should be fair. The company should have professional tradesmen on its workforce and it should comply with the necessary legislation.

The market value of your house from iBuyer

Traditional house sales need a realtor who in an effort to win your business over-inflate the price of your house. This increases the time it takes to get an offer, which when received more often than not is loan-based and subject to approval.

There are stressful repairs and upgrades that you handle all the while keeping the house clean and stage-ready. Not to forget the endless and futile stream of people flowing through your house affecting your life and lifestyle. You are further subjected to the wait on paper and closing dates and realtor commissions between 5-6% need to be considered.

Looking to sell your house fast and hassle-free or just curious about the market value of your home.

The real estate industry has made undergone various changes of late. A novel type of buyer has emerged. iBuyer, or instant buyer, is a buyer who offers a faster, more efficient, and convenient way to sell your house saving you time and money.

Simply set up your iBuyer instant offer account, enter your address, verify home details such as location, age, size, and finishes, and appliances in your house. Using big data and statistics from local and national real estate markets, the online home value assessment will give you the best fair market value of your house.

Within 24-48 hours iBuyer then offers you an instant cash deal so there is no need for a loan. Should there be a need to repair or upgrade, you could elect to do so yourself or let iBuyer do the repairs or upgrades with expenses coming out of the sale of the house.

iBuyer bears the risk of giving you instant liquidity by buying your house and selling it as part of its inventory. The offer is less than that on the open market because the offer is cash-based. Costs are transparent and upfront so you know exactly what is involved.

Usually, iBuyer costs are 10% of the fair market value of a house. Closing dates are fast and flexible giving you moving options suitable to you.

For a free no-obligation market value of your house visit iBuyer, your trusted local and nationwide cash buyer and seller.