Curb Appeal: Bringing Buyers to the Door

Getting ready to sell your home requires more than just making the decision. You’ve got to switch shoes and think like a buyer, especially in today’s market. Although there is a lot more to a sale than first impressions, its curb appeal that brings buyers to your door.

Cleanup

Nothing says poorly maintained like half-finished projects or junk lying around the yard. The first step to creating a good first impression is to cleanup your home’s exterior. Old cars, broken pots, out of season displays and untended yard waste piles should be removed.

Cleaning up your yard will reveal what needs repair, maintenance or finishing. Just like inside, de-cluttering the outside of your home will allow you to see what needs to be done and give you the space to do it.

Don’t forget to clean porches, patios and decks. Clear these of anything that is unattractive, dirty or broken. Sweep and hose them free of dirt, cobwebs, stains or spills.

Repairs

Assess your home from the outside noting any needed repairs. Doors shouldn’t stick, screens should be free of holes, steps should be stable, lampposts straight. Even a home that is older or outdated can be attractive to a buyer if it is well maintained.

Make a list of needed repairs, prioritize from small to big and schedule time to fix them or hire a professional. It’s likely you can make most repairs yourself within a few days. If your home needs major repairs, like painting, just think how a buyer would see peeling paint. Once you’ve got this perspective you’ll realize that the return is worth the extra effort, time and money.

Updates

Outside fixtures speak volumes about your home. You may think an old, rotten lamppost is charming but buyers will see a flaw. The same goes for fences, mailboxes and any other permanent fixture that is part of the landscape.

All of these items are small ticket – easy to repair or replace – so don’t underestimate their importance. It may be that the fence just needs a little paint, the lamppost a new fixture and the mailbox a little maintenance. If these items need to be replaced, update them with shiny new versions that eliminate the aura of neglect.

Landscaping

You don’t need an exotic landscape to attract buyers but you do need a yard that is pleasant and well maintained. If the lawn has bare patches get them filled in. Edge flower beds to give a clean look. Weed out overgrown areas especially at the curb, in walkways and along the driveway.

Once you’ve got the basics covered step back and consider how a new visitor would feel when they approach your home. If bushes and trees are overgrown, trim or remove them. If the landscaping feels sparse, decide what would enhance the space. Strategically placed evergreens and beautiful blooms will help create a welcoming landscape. If you’re not sure what to plant, take a picture of your yard and bring it with you to a nursery to get customized expert advice.

Remember that curb appeal is the key to attracting buyers. The more appealing and welcoming your home appears at first glance, the more likely that buyers will give it their consideration.