First Impressions matter! Enhancing your home's exterior appearance is always a wise decision. It's not just a good idea; it's essential for maximizing the price you can command for your property. Within seconds, a potential buyer forms an opinion about whether your home is a contender.
Ms. Jones, a potential buyer, drives by a home before the scheduled viewing with her Real Estate Professional. The red brick, large windows, and the two-car garage, that looked appealing in the property listing, lose their lustre as she notices the patchy lawn, missing shingles on the roof, chipped window frames, soiled siding, and a clutter of kids’ bicycles and wagons stacked three-deep on the side of the garage. The front door, painted a questionable shade of violet, explains why it didn't make it into the property listing pictorial. Disheartened, she shakes her head and decides to drive away without stepping out of her car. She promptly calls her Real Estate Professional, expressing her desire to explore another house.
Its vital that you create a positive first impression with curb appeal. Your home may be renovated with many modern features but if buyers don't come through the front door its all for naught.
Curb appeal is the immediate impression your home leaves on a potential buyer. It's the intangible quality that prompts buyers to envision your home as their own. The moment a potential buyer lays eyes on your property, they begin forming an emotional connection, whether positive or negative. A mental image takes shape: Can I picture myself living here? Can I maintain my lifestyle in this home? How much work needs to be done? After witnessing a well-maintained exterior, they'll be eager to explore the interior. Consider these key areas when enhancing your curb appeal.
Paint: Chipped or peeling paint diminishes your home’s appeal. A cost-effective paint job, covering the front door, fence, shutters, and other surfaces, can significantly elevate your home’s appearance and value. Opt for a neutral color that complements the brick, siding, fence, or trim.
Landscaping: Mow and edge your lawn, repairing any unsightly patches. Trim trees and shrubs, replace old pots with new ones, and water flowers. Keep garden tools neatly stored in the garage or basement.
Sidewalks/Driveway: Hose down sidewalks and driveways, clearing any clutter. Store toys, sporting equipment, or bicycles neatly in the garage or basement. Remove stray weeds from adjacent lawn areas.
Eavestrough: If possible, hose them down along with the siding and sidewalks. Remove any leaves or debris. Repair any damage or looseness.
Fences/Siding/Exterior: Address any necessary repairs to these areas. A fence that appears ready to topple in the next strong wind leaves a negative impression. Hose down these areas before a viewing.
Cracked/Uneven Foundation: Have any issues with the foundation repaired. Buyers are less likely to consider a home requiring foundation repairs.
Lighting: Upgrade worn or rusted lighting. Warm lighting around your home's exterior creates an inviting ambiance.
Finishing Touches: Place a new, inexpensive welcome doormat. Clean outdoor furniture and replace old, worn cushions. If you have a pet residing in the backyard, inform your Real Estate Professional beforehand or consider arranging for pet boarding during showings.
Attending to your home’s curb appeal can reduce the time it spends on the market. Unaddressed repairs may prolong the selling process. The initial impression sets the tone for the rest of the walkthrough. When prospective buyers fall in love with the exterior, they eagerly anticipate an equally appealing interior.
Good curb appeal is akin to issuing a personal invitation: “Welcome. Come on in.”