Your home’s value is composed of multiple layers. Consider
that your home’s intrinsic value is like the yolk of an egg. The shell of that
egg then will be the physical structure, its fence, security system, and your
right to hold title. Then, your neighborhood is the “carton” that cradles your egg.
The carton displays the brand, tells buyers the grade of your egg and, most
importantly, protects your egg until purchased.
Logically, a damaged or unsightly carton will hurt the chances
of your egg being selected from among the others on the shelf when a buyer
comes along. Do you see how having the most attractive, strongest and best labeled
neighborhood can contribute prominently to preserving and increasing your home
value? How then do we make sure we have the best neighborhood in which to
display, show value and protect our homes?
A great way to do this and subsequently raise your home’s
value without spending a dime is to practice the five ‘V’s of VALUE.
Visit your
neighbors. Visiting is a pleasant activity with no costs, very little travel and
low impact on your schedule, so can be done easily and frequently. Statistics
show that neighborhoods with a healthy social connectivity are more stable,
have less crime and better overall satisfaction of life.
Visibility in
your neighborhood is very important. Be visible at home, around the yard, on
the sidewalks and at public area facilities such as parks, gathering places and
businesses. This practice places you in the neighborhood’s “image” and promotes
your presence as an indication of a community’s profile.
Vocalize your
interests, concerns and satisfaction to gain support and momentum for your
neighborhood’s prosperity. When goals, problems and achievements are clearly stated,
then resources can be allocated properly to change, continue or halt activities
and practices in your area. Your input helps to shape the direction of your
community’s development.
Vote for and
against laws, rulings and officials that affect your neighborhood’s safety,
health and growth. Griping does not do it. Participation in the democratic
system is a tool for applying governmental resources to matters that influence
your neighborhood’s proliferation. Stay current on issues and political
activities related to them. Continually query your public officials as to what
is being done for you! They work for you. Make sure they are doing what you expect of them, just as any employer
would of any employee.
Volunteer in your
neighborhood and community on projects and endeavors that leverage your talents
and skills. Be mindful that surrounding areas act as a buffer for your
community. Spread the love beyond the boundaries of your home to push back
negative factors. It’s like a fence line; you have to trim the grass on both
sides for the fence to be most effective. The responsibility goes to the aware.
If you know it needs to be done make an effort to see that it is…by the
responsible party or by YOU.
Consider the benefit of the action and act accordingly.
Get out into your community Visit, be Visible, Voice your concerns, share your
interests and praise good work that is being done, Vote in or out according to your goals and Volunteer to help keep the good and change the rest. Active involvement
will ensure your neighborhood is strong and being a part of that will be a net gain
that can never depreciate.
Happy living!
