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If a Realtor Falls in the Forest and no one is there to hear them, do they still make a sound?

Ok, a long title just to talk about sound. We bought our house at the end of 2003 and it is a great piece of land except that it backs up to the turnpike. Having an unscreened pool in the backyard has caused us to talk over the highway. In the last year, the turnpike authority decided to widen the lanes by 2 in both directions. The study concluded that a sound wall needed to be erected. This took a long time but we now have the sound wall. It is a sky colored wall so when you first look out, you think it is a cloudy day.

Here's the question...do you think a sound wall adds or detracts from the value of a home?

Posted by Jim Hirschhorn, GRI, Real Living - Orlando on 07/23/2008 08:43 AM

Comments (12)

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12 Comments on If a Realtor Falls in the Forest and no one is there to hear them, do they still make a sound?

I would think in your circumstances that it would add to the value. I would love to see a picture of this yard with the sound wall.

07/23/2008 08:50 AM

by Mary Warren, Las Vegas Real Estate (Keller Williams Southern Nevada)

Thats an interesting question as I can see it both ways. I am guessing that it is probably a benefit rather than a deterrant, however I don't feel strongly on the issue.

07/23/2008 08:54 AM

by Lisa Friedman Central New Jersey Real Estate (Pinnacle Realtors)

depends on the buyer, some will like the sound wall because of it's purpose others will not. I don't think it effects the value.

07/23/2008 08:55 AM

by Dick Betts (Dick Betts National Speaker)

Thats an interesting question as I can see it both ways. I am guessing that it is probably a benefit rather than a deterrant, however I don't feel strongly on the issue.

07/23/2008 08:55 AM

by Lisa Friedman Central New Jersey Real Estate (Pinnacle Realtors)

Thats an interesting question as I can see it both ways. I am guessing that it is probably a benefit rather than a deterrant, however I don't feel strongly on the issue.

07/23/2008 09:00 AM

by Lisa Friedman Central New Jersey Real Estate (Pinnacle Realtors)

Mary - That's kind of personal! (Kidding). I will see what I can do.

Lisa - You told me 3 times so I am guessing you are passionate about this issue. :)

Thanks Dick.

07/23/2008 09:07 AM

by Jim Hirschhorn, GRI, Real Living - Orlando (Real Living Real Estate Solutions)

I think the issue of sound is in the ear of the beholder. It certainly will have a negative impact on some buyers. I think others don't want to be close to a highway because of possible environmental impacts. How much that impacts values is something the appraisers will have to comment on.

07/23/2008 09:10 AM

by Joan Whitebook, ABR, e-Pro, CEBA (Buyer's Option Realty Services)

Thanks Joan. Sure bring up the environmental issues (you are from New Hampshire..Live Free or die...this may mean no walls! ha ha). I grew up in the city and my girlfriend in the country. The whooshing sound of traffic doesn't bother me until the big trucks do their downshifting. That is not pleasant.

07/23/2008 09:25 AM

by Jim Hirschhorn, GRI, Real Living - Orlando (Real Living Real Estate Solutions)

Wow. What a long blog. It must have been exhausting to write all of it. Phewww!

07/23/2008 02:47 PM

by Douglas Garbe, Real Living Real Estate Solutions (Real Living Real Estate Solutions)

That is one of the funniest titles I've seen on AR.

07/23/2008 03:41 PM

by Chris Svec, Real Living, Inc.

a wall is better than the sound especially the sounds of trucks for sure! IMHO anyway..

07/23/2008 06:28 PM

by Maureen McCabe - Central Ohio real estate (Real Living HER)

Douglas, Can't tell if you are trying to be funny but you know I take all the time necessary for the ActivRain community! :)

Thanks Chris

Maureen, we do notice a difference and there are still many slabs left open until they are done done

07/25/2008 03:51 PM

by Jim Hirschhorn, GRI, Real Living - Orlando (Real Living Real Estate Solutions)

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