It has been a seller’s market for the last couple of years. Available homes have been flying off the market within weeks. While many listed homes are receiving multiple offers from eager buyers, are you what they want? With all the competition, how do you make your home stand out?
If a buyer is contemplating buying your house, curb appeal may be a winning factor. The curb appeal of a home is the exterior impression from the street. How the house looks on the outside. The overall aesthetic of a home, which includes the yard and landscaping, the exterior design and layout, the cleanliness, and more gives a buyer an idea of what to expect.
When a buyer views a home they want it to feel welcoming, inviting, and warm. The exterior can help attract the buyer, enticing them to know more.
Think about it, the first thing a buyer sees is the exterior of the house. Whether it is an online listing photo, or driving up for a tour, the first impression has a big effect on buyer interest. You will want to make any necessary upkeep to help the curb appeal look shiny and new.
Signs of poor curb appeal includes a messy yard filled with leaves, dead or outgrown grass, cracked and worn siding or paint, sinking roof, or dirty entryways.
What is considered good curb appeal? Think like a buyer or someone who has never seen your house before. Here is where to start:
LANDSCAPING:
- Clear up any yard areas by removing leaves, branches, or debris.
- Mow the lawn, prune up any bushes or trees, and fill in any patches.
- Revamp gardens with fresh flowers, plants, or decor for an added touch.
ENTRYWAYS:
- Sweep dirt and dust away from all entryways including porches, patios, decks, driveway, front door, and garage doors.
- Declutter these areas for clear walking areas by putting everything like toys, tools, clothing, etc. in its appropriate place or tossing any items you no longer need.
- Wash windows and doors – a quick paint job to railings, doors, or window frames can make a big difference.
- Add lighting or replace bulbs to create an inviting ambiance.
- Fix up any broken or old fixtures that may be visible.
EXTERIOR:
- Power wash the outdoor walls of the house to remove dirt and rust. Consider paint job for faded or worn out paint.
- Inspect the roof, including the gutters, to ensure its high quality and outdated. This is a big expense and something buyers do not want to be responsible for. The investment can be returned from a buyer’s offer knowing there is a brand new roof. Reach out to a professional to see if updating the roof is worth the cost.
Sometimes, it is more effective to make small improvements around the home versus costly renovations. Updating the curb appeal of your home is a great place to start. Better yet, improving the overall curb appeal can increase the value of your home.
If you have questions, feel free to reach out. It is just as important for sellers to prepare for the market when listing a home.
*This article is intended to be accurate, but the information is not guaranteed. Please reach out to us directly if you have any specific real estate or mortgage questions or would like help from a local professional. The article was written by Sparkling Marketing, Inc., with information from resources like Keeping Current Matters, Realtor.com
