Why Your Home’s Value Isn’t Appreciating

By JP Fluellen

JP became a licensed real estate agent in 2010 after being a real estate investor for 2 years. He’s been a top real estate agent at Coldwell Banker The Property Exchange and has recently started the Titan Real Estate Team at eXp Realty.

Many homeowners assume their property will go up in value simply because they own it, but that’s not how appreciation works. I talk to homeowners all the time who are surprised when their home doesn’t appraise as high as expected.

If you’re living in a house and letting it wear down without making updates, you may not see much return when it’s time to sell. Here are things you need to do to maximize the appreciation value of your home:

You have to maintain your value. While home prices generally rise over time, that appreciation is tied to how your home compares to others nearby. We use a comparative market approach in real estate, which means buyers and appraisers look at recent sales and expect your property to match or exceed that standard. If your neighbors are updating and you’re not, your home may fall behind.

Minor updates make a difference. That doesn’t mean you need a complete renovation. But you should make steady improvements. Things like fresh paint, new carpet, or updated light fixtures help your home stay competitive. These are not cosmetic extras. Today’s buyers expect them. If you wait until the last minute or skip them entirely, your home may not perform well when it hits the market.

Avoid over-personalization. I’ve seen sellers lose value by choosing unique colors or layouts that don’t appeal to the average buyer. For example, converting two bedrooms into one large suite might seem like an upgrade, but it can reduce your home’s appeal to families who need more rooms. Updates should enhance value, not limit your buyer pool.

If you want top dollar, your home needs to show like a top property. That means making smart, market-aligned updates over time. A well-maintained home earns appreciation. A neglected one risks falling behind.

If you’re in Cheyenne or Springfield, Missouri, and want help reviewing your home’s condition or deciding what updates make sense, feel free to call or text me at 307-772-1184 or email me at jp@titanreteam.com. I’m happy to walk you through the proper steps to protect and grow your property’s value over time.