Fencing can Make or Break a Home Sale

A Century 21 M&M Realtor will tell you that, a falling down fence will lower your property value. In fact, the condition of a fence can make or break a home sale. Fences are important to home buyers because they provide privacy, security and landscape appeal. So if you are thinking of upgrading your fence, there are a lot of things to consider and choices to make.

There are three main types of wood fencing; privacy, picket and rail:

•Privacy fences, usually six to seven feet tall, surround a yard to create a private and secure living area used for both recreation and entertainment.

•Picket fences, usually three to four feet tall, are an American tradition. Pickets are not intended for privacy so much as enhancing the curb appeal.

•Rail fences, commonly thought of as ranch style, are more typical in rural areas where animal containment is necessary. They commonly consist of a couple of horizontal rails attached to upright posts.

Vinyl Fencing, is bit more expensive than other options and has a couple of major benefits; it’s durable and maintenance free. There are many styles available including picket, privacy, ranch and pool fence style.

Chain link fencing, constructed of metal mesh and metal posts (usually coated with galvanized zinc), is another durable option. This type of material, ranging from a couple feet in height to really tall-sometimes as much as 12 feet tall, provides affordable security and is often found in not only residential, but also commercial settings.

Ornamental Fencing (a.k.a. Iron) has combined both beauty and function for centuries. It was originally made from wrought iron, however today, steel and aluminum are the common materials used; steel for commercial applications and aluminum for residential applications.

You may want to have a survey of your property done prior to getting started. Be sure you know where your property ends and your neighbor’s begins. You really don’t want to find out after installation that your new fence is installed six inches over your property line.

It is always a good idea to ask your Century 21 M&M Realtor about local code requirements and building permits. In Northern California if you are going to build a fence more than six feet tall, local code sometimes requires a building permit.