This is how my friend responded:
I've had [my wife] valued. Despite being an older property of considerable character with a pleasant facade and a satisfying interior, the high maintenance required affects the value rather badly. Or in my case, baldly. For myself, a striking, if unusual, frontage is affected by some seepage at times and a tendency to cracks and dry rot. Roof needs attention to avoid damage by sun, wind and rain. There are some marks left by previous repairs, and everything creaks. All in all, a newbuild would be a better choice, but they are in high demand, and the owners prefer first-time buyers.
Remember, my friend ...
