For many people the investment in their home is the biggest investment they make in a lifetime. With that in mind homeowners are, of course, very concerned about maintaining their home and its value. In the current market retention of value tops the list of concerns. There are many things that you can do to retain value in your home including making improvements and just keeping up with regular maintenance. 

There are many factors outside of your control that affect the value of your home. Market conditions play a role and fluctuate over time. Another factor that has an effect is the condition of the surrounding area.  If your neighbors are among the many struggling financially and possibly wrestling growing mortgage payments and shrinking home values they may have let some of the regular maintenance of their home go. If this happens frequently in an area the over all value of the neighborhood can go down.  

You may or may not be able to have a direct hand in the condition of your neighbors’ homes. One thing you can do is continue to invest in the upkeep of your own home. This may seem difficult if the homes around yours are deteriorating but a bright well kept home can offer some inspiration in a neighborhood that needs it. A well kept neighbor can lift the sprits of potential buyers and even appraisers. For this end limited money may be best spent improving curb appeal. Other improvements that can provide immediate returns include things that could reduce insurance costs or energy consumption. 

If you have the ability or inclination to take your care of the neighborhood one step further you could lend a hand to a neighbor going through a tough time. Offering to help with yard maintenance, painting, or small repairs. You may be able to coordinate the help of other neighbors as anything you do to improve the value of homes in the neighborhood will benefit everyone.