How DOT Sidewalk Violations Impact NYC Property Value?
When you list your property for sale, you hope that the buyer will be willing to pay a good amount for it. To impress them, you maintain the interior and exterior of the building and showcase its positive qualities.
While the interior of the property holds great importance, maintaining the exterior is also essential. A property with a well-maintained driveway, patio, steps, lawn, and sidewalks looks aesthetically pleasing.
People tend to be impressed by the exterior of the property and might even be willing to invest more in it. However, if the concrete surfaces, like a sidewalk, are damaged, they might reduce the value of your property.
In this article, we will talk about how DOT sidewalk violations can affect your property in NYC and ways to remove them.
Impact of Sidewalk Violations from a Buyer Perspective
The buyers might get concerned about the following things after viewing the DOT sidewalk violations.
Reduced Curb Appeal: First impressions matter a lot when it comes to selling a property. A damaged sidewalk detracts from the overall curb appeal. Moreover, it creates a negative perception of the property's condition. Buyers might question the general maintenance of the house if the sidewalk is neglected.
Safety Concerns: Uneven surfaces, loose bricks, and raised slabs pose tripping hazards. Potential buyers might worry about the accidents and the liabilities associated with them. This can be particularly concerning for families with young children or elderly individuals.
Negative Perception: A neglected sidewalk gives the message that the property is not well-maintained. Buyers might worry about hidden issues within the house itself, leading them to either lower their offer or look elsewhere entirely.
Impact of Sidewalk Violations from Owners' Perspective
Sidewalk violations go beyond aesthetic issues, as fixing them also affects you financially.
Repair Cost: The city doesn’t fix your sidewalk and that responsibility falls on you. Repairing violations can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars for minor fixes to thousands for extensive work.
Delay in Sales: DOT violations can delay the closing of a sale. Buyers often require a clear title, and an unresolved violation can create a hindrance to that.
Reduced Offers: After knowing about a violation, potential buyers might use it to negotiate a lower price. They might talk about the repair cost and potential hassle when making their offer.
In a competitive market, a DOT violation can be the deciding factor for a buyer. Therefore, addressing the issue promptly can prevent significant financial setbacks during the selling process.
Legal Issues of DOT Sidewalk Violations
Not fixing sidewalk violations on time can have the legal consequences mentioned below:
Lien Placement: In some cases, the city can place a lien on the property for the cost of repairs if they fix it on behalf of property owners. This lien must be removed before the property can be sold.
Lawsuits: If a pedestrian trips and gets injured due to a sidewalk violation on your property, you could face a lawsuit. The legal and financial repercussions of such a situation can be severe.
By proactively addressing a DOT violation, you can prevent these costly consequences and protect yourself from potential legal trouble.
Related Article: Sidewalk Violation in NYC: How Do I Get Rid of It?
Address the Violation and INcrease Property’s Value
Here's how you can minimize the impact of a DOT sidewalk violation on your property value:
Resolve the Violation Promptly: Don't delay repairs. The longer you wait, the higher the risk of people getting injured.
Hire a Qualified Contractor: Ensure the contractor is licensed, insured, and familiar with DOT regulations. A professional job will ensure repairs meet city standards and prevent future issues.
Related Article: 5 Signs You Need a Sidewalk Repair Contractor in NYC
Maintain Clear Documentation: Keep copies of all permits, invoices, and inspection reports related to the repair. This documentation will be helpful during the selling process.
By using a proactive approach to resolving the violation, you can assure potential buyers that the issue has been addressed and the property is well-maintained.
Conclusion
DOT violations on your sidewalks can have a negative impact on the resale value of your property. If the sidewalk damages are unaddressed, the buyers might avoid paying a good amount for the property.
Moreover, if the market is competitive, there is a chance that buyers will opt for another option. By understanding the importance of fixing your sidewalks and getting professional help for it, you can increase the resale value of your property. Moreover, you can sell the property without any delay.