Curb Appeal

Almost ready to put your house on the market?
The time before you dive in is pivotal. There is a huge opportunity to get more value out of your home by sprucing up your curb appeal.  Yet most homeowners are unaware of what impact can be made with a few simple projects.

Deciding which projects to do (and which not to do) is probably the hardest part.  Yet the decision might make a $10,000 difference in your sales price.

Curb appeal is one of the simplest ways to affect the market value of a home.  It can also make it more likely to sell.  Most buyers are looking for a home that looks new and in good condition. The first impression is a “make or break” moment for many potential buyers.

Whether they realize it or not, buyers will notice two things when they arrive and depart:  the home and the property.

Landscaping—The First, First Impression

Truth be told, prospective buyers will always notice the landscaping before they get a look at the house.  They can’t really help it.

When meticulously groomed and cared after, a yard really conveys a positive message about a home and its owners.  On the other hand, unkempt landscaping conveys a different kind of message about your curb appeal.

Grooming

If you’ve traditionally taken good care of your lawn this process can be as simple as performing usual maintenance a bit earlier and/or more frequently.

Keep your lawn well manicured.  Trim bushes and hedges.  Remove weeds.  You should even consider adding fresh mulch or pine straw.  You’ll also want to avoid leaving leaving children’s toys or other random items in your yard for an extending period of time—you never know who may be driving by.

This simple bit of maintenance makes it a lot easier for prospective buyers to see themselves living in your home.  Providing this perspective is one of the most important aspects of staging any home.

Accents

Accents such as arches, gates, fences, and sitting areas can be assets that add charm to your lawn.  However you want to be careful.  If they are not in good condition or look cheap, such ornaments can actually decrease your curb appeal.  They can actually give the impression that your property is a “fixer upper”.  Prospective buyers might assume that your home is too.

You also want to make sure that the decorations you choose compliment your home rather than distract from it.  Oftentimes, less is more.  Whenever selling a home, you have to take into account that your taste and that of those you’re trying to sell to won’t always match up.

Stay on the conservative side by opting for accents that are simple, seasonal, and match your location.

Upgrades

Whatever your level of upkeep, you’re probably going to want to consider making a few upgrades.

You should already know if your yard needs real work.  Whether your property requires sod, new foliage, or large debris be removed, it’s time to get it done.  The right changes can completely transform the character of a property.

Anyway, you should expect a lower sales price or no sale at all if you take your house to market without handling necessary changes.  While some of these upgrades are expensive, failing to perform them will undoubtedly be more costly.  Neglecting serious issues is likely cost you the entire sale.

Now, if your property is already in pretty good shape you want to be a bit more strategic in your upgrade selections.  Natural areas are always a good place to start, especially if your main goal is to increase curb appeal.

Depending on the situation, you might even consider larger changes to your landscaping.  Retaining walls, water features, and fences all have their uses but you want to be wary of beginning such large projects on a property you plan to sell.

The House—What They Came to See

For the most part, this should be your first priority.

Your landscaping will make the first impression, but your actual home will make the longest lasting one.  It is where the value of your property lies and thus will be the focus of your prospective buyers.

It is vital that the exterior of your house doesn’t deter people from wanting to see the interior.  Moreover, the right features can help to draw them in.

Exterior Cleaning

The first step to make your house look great will always be deep cleaning.

No one is going to want to tour a dirty house.  If it looks ramshackle on the outside, buyers will assume it is just as bad or worse on the inside.

You can do it yourself with a rented pressure washer or hire a professional cleaning crew.  Either way, a detailed cleaning of your home is imperative.

This includes doors, windows, shutters, trim, siding, anything else with a visible surface area. The roof and gutters are an especially scrutinized area, make sure to clean both thoroughly.  You might also want to tackle your driveway and any walkways on your property.

Revamp and Replace

Vital elements of your home that cannot be made presentable by cleaning will need to be either refinished or replaced altogether.

The roof and gutters are prime candidates as many homeowners fail to properly care for these features until a problem arises.

Other simple fixes like a fresh coat of paint can go a long way in making your house look clean and well taken care of.  Simple accents like house numbers can also help to make your home more inviting.

If you have a relatively large amount of repairs to make, you can use the opportunity to create a style for your home’s exterior simultaneously.

Upgrades

Though there are plenty of inexpensive ways to increase curb appeal, you might want to devote some of your budget to a few significant upgrades to your home’s exterior.

Focal points such as the front door, main steps, or front porch are all good places to consider spending some money.  These areas are always noticed early and often.  Plus, they are extremely important to the character of your home.

Light fixtures, statues, potted plants, and other items have their place as well.  The proper improvements to the house itself can impact the entire aesthetic and improve the attractiveness of a property.  Adding stone or tile is usually a good idea.

Shade and seating are a couple of changes homeowners can make that actually add functional value to your home—something buyers appreciate but sellers often ignore.

Truth be told, there are a variety of upgrades your home might “need”.  The important part is identifying which ones will actually bring you a return on your investment.

Some changes will help bring more buyers in.  Others will help you close the sale.  Still others will be necessary to maximize your sales price and get the amount your home is truly worth.

Certainly, the process of selling a home is demanding.  But don’t be overwhelmed by all of the things sellers need to do before deciding to sell their house.  Instead, take a deep breath and consider how things will look when the process is over.  Then, get back to managing the things you can control, like curb appeal.

If you’re looking for real peace of mind during your quest to get the most of our your home, your best bet is to seek professional help from a licensed Realtor.  If you’re looking for an ally that will help guide you through the process with both expertise and understanding, don’t hesitate to contact us today.

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