9 things that add value to your property

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Are you looking to sell your home?

Here's a list of nine surprising things that add value to your property according to HAR.com.

1. Parks and Open Spaces

Researchers in Oregon found homes within 1,500 ft. of a public park added about $1,200 in value. If your house is near a natural area, like a forest, it adds more than $10,000 to the value of your property.

2. Living Near a Walmart

University of Chicago researchers found living within one mile of a Walmart could raise your home's value by 1 to 2 percent. Living within a half mile of a superstore can boost your property value by an additional 1 percent.

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3. Walkability

Being able to walk out the door of your home and stroll to school, parks and restaurants can raise your property value between $4,000 and $34,000. That's according to a 2009 study by CEOs for Cities.

4. Accessory Dwelling Units

Having a separate unit on your property, like a mother-in-law suite or garage apartment can increase your home's value by 25 to 34 percent. It also provides you with another source of rental income.

5. Community Gardens

Research by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and NYU School of Law found having a community garden within 1,000 ft. of your home increased home values by 9.4 percent over five years.

6. Trees

Trees are a sign of a well-established neighborhood. University of Washington researchers found mature trees in your yard increased value by 2 percent. Mature trees anywhere on your street increased value by 3 percent. Having mature trees in high-income neighborhoods increased home values from 10 to 15 percent.

7. Professional Sports Arenas

According to researchers from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the University of Alberta, a new pro-sports stadium within 2.5 miles of your home increases the value by more than $2,200.

8. Solar Panels

A Department of Energy study found homes with solar panels sell for a $17,000 premium over those without them. Word of warning: a full solar panel system could cost up to $40,000 to install, so it may not be worth it in the long run.

9. Close to the Beach

The Monterey Institute of International Studies found living within a mile of a beach with big waves can add about $106,000 to your home's value.

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