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Can a Driveway Kill a Deal?

By Hank Miller, SRA

Real Estate Agent with Ansley Real Estate/Christie's International 262285

February 14, 2023 10:46 AM

Every home is different as is every buyer and seller. While everyone understands that no home is perfect, what are some of the things that are "deal killers"? Getting more specific, can a driveway kill a deal?

The Driveway is a Deal Killer

Around greater Atlanta, this is a rather common home design. Here, the garage doors open perpendicular to the front of home. The parking pad is directly in the area where the front yard might be. This is a very common design when lots are narrow; turning the doors inward allows for a narrower foot print.

Driveways and Appeal

It's completely reasonable to say that the driveway and garage area of the home is one of the most used areas of the home. Multiple times a day, everytime anyone comes or goes. Everytime Amazon, UPS or DoorDash comes by; everytime the garbage cans need to be hauled in and out. It's fair to say that driveways impact the value and appeal of a home.

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Michael J. Perry

KW Elite - Lancaster, PA

Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

I’ve seen a number of very steep driveways that turned Buyers off . It could easily slow down a sale or cause a discount

Feb 14, 2023 10:57 AM

faye schubert

Branson, MO

Hank Miller, SRA

Owners use driveways every day...walking up and down...trash cans...pets...kids...

Feb 15, 2023 01:07 PM

Anna "Banana" Kruchten

HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ

602-380-4886

Hank what looks odd to me is that the front steps lead down to the driveway. I have never seen a house like this in my area.

Feb 14, 2023 03:05 PM

that's by design, allows for them to build on a tight lot. There is no front yard, just concrete and that's very limited when accessing that garage. Not happening when a car or two is parked out there and you're trying to get in or out.

Feb 15, 2023 06:49 AM

Myrl Jeffcoat

Sacramento, CA

Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

Driveways can be expensive to replace. I have a friend who just had her's replaced. The cost was $19,000.

Feb 15, 2023 01:34 AM

Everything is now - blame it on Covid and remember "sorry for the inconvenience"

Feb 15, 2023 01:12 PM

faye schubert

Retired - Branson, MO

Living the Branson Lake Life

The Ozarks certainly present challenges with driveways.

I've been to a few homes with the driveway on a steep incline and even with my parking brake on, made me feel insecure of the car not moving.

Feb 15, 2023 07:09 AM

That one with my truck was in N Georgia, pretty good rolling pitches. Those get dicey when it ices and snows - and GA isn't that great with snow. The other one was a popular design which can be dysfunctional many times

Feb 15, 2023 01:15 PM

Kathy Streib

Cypress, TX

Home Stager/Redesign

Hank- we have some houses similar to what you describe but I've never seen one as tight as the one you showed.

Feb 17, 2023 07:35 PM

Over the years I often said :can't build on that lot" for whatever reason, no longer say that. I've seen driveways with angles/approaches too sharp for vehicles to use. Had a friend that had to tear out the apron, redesign it and replace the concrete after purchase to get his rather nice car in and out.

Feb 20, 2023 04:14 AM

Richard Weeks

Dallas, TX

REALTOR®, Broker

Great information, thanks for sharing. I hope you have a great day.

Feb 20, 2023 02:47 AM

Can a Driveway Kill a Deal?

The Driveway is a Deal Killer

Driveways and Appeal

Comments(6)

Hank Miller, SRA

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