Whether you are thinking of selling your home or it is currently "on the market" Curb Appeal is one of the 
most important areas to address! Think about it - the first impression of your house from a buyer's perspective is when they drive up the street and spot your house.
What does your home convey? Is it warm and inviting? Does it sparkle and "pop" with pizzazz? Here are some great tips to help you see your home through the eyes of a buyer and make some improvements that could just make or break a sale!
- Get in your car and drive up to your house from ALL angles. What was it most that drew you to your house when you bought it? Does your home look fresh, clean and free of clutter? Another good source for feedback is your neighbors. Ask them from an objective point of view what they think might help. It can't hurt to ask!
- Break the project down. Ask yourself a series of questions specific to the curb appeal of your home.
- Is there mildew on the exterior siding? Could you home dazzle a little more with a good power washing?
- What about your windows? Are they see-through? Spotless?
- Is the driveway in good shape? Free from cracks and weeds?
- Are there any unruly plants that are preventing a full view of your home?
- How's the landscaping? Neat and manicured or all askew?
- Spiff up your walkways! Remove the weeds growing in the cracks, fill any cracks and edge around them and natural areas close by to give a more defined look to your walkway.
- Inspect your siding whether brick, vinyl, hardboard or others! Fill joints with caulk, power wash the mildew and dirt and fix any mortar cracks. Be sure to inspect your trim work and check that gutters are free from debris. Nothing worse than a buyer showing up to a house with gutters overflowing with pine needles or worse yet get wet because the gutter is backed up with debris and overflowing!
- Do you have a crystal clear view though your windows? Be sure to clean both sides of your
windows and if you have pets are they free from doggie or cat residue? If you are a pet owner you know what I speak of! Children's handprints? CLEAN THEM UP! See my post It's The Little Things That Will Make or Break a Showing..... for a little more information about windows and the interior of a home. Don't forget the tracks in the window casings! - Decks - CLEAN THEM UP! Power wash your deck or if money and time permits consider a fresh new coat of stain. Stage your outdoor deck so that a potential buyer can see the possibilities! Outdoor serverware, umbrella, fresh cushions, and a cleaned up grill will certainly help.
- Landscaping - Keep your lawn mowed! Be sure to mow your lawn every 5-7 days at minimum. Edging is a great way to "sculpt" your lawn and make it appear more defined and taken care of. Don't forget the planting beds as well! Distribute fresh mulch in your flower beds and keep the weeds out!
- Do you have focal points in your yard? A simple bench with hanging pots or a small flower garden around a tree can divert the eye to more appealing aspects of a yard while helping to deflect from the not so appealing. Accentuate the Positive!
- What is the FIRST thing a buyer touches when they arrive at your home - YOUR FRONT DOOR! Make sure that it is clean. Invest a little money into some new and updated door hardware, a new knocker or even a brass kickplate - it will do wonders. And, if you have a screen door please be sure that your screens are clean and free from tears.
- Lastly, your driveway. Be sure to remove any weeds that may be growing from crack and if you have cracks use a sealer for the smaller ones. For larger cracks there are products on the market for you to fill them yourself instead of hiring a professional. However, if you are unsure of how the job will turn out it is best to call in a professional.
Again, it is best to be as objective as possible and try to see your home through the eyes of a buyer. I have had many occasions where I pulled up to a home with a buyer and they have flat out refused to go into the home. The exterior was not appealing or pleasing at all. The inside may have been a dream but they just couldn't get past the lack of pop on the exterior.
For more tips and advice please feel free to give me a call or email!
Just a little home-selling advice from My Back Yard....
Written by:
Leesa L. Finley, Broker, Realtor®
Circa Properties
919.649.6128 - direct and txt msg
All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Circa Properties, and may not be used without the expressed written permission of Circa Properties. All
information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted, Copyright 2009.
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Circa Properties
919-649-6128
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Leesa - What you are saying is so true! I guess this wouldn't work eh?
Sound advice, for sure! Houses might generate more interest if they were truly made attractive from the 'drive by' aspect.
Nevin - I am thinking that house would NOT work! haha
Carol - First impressions are SO important!!
A ton of people won't even go in if you don't make a great impression! There's too much on the market to miss this!
Eleanor - YES the competition is crazy right now so you MUST make that great critical first impression!
Eleanor - YES the competition is crazy right now so you MUST make that great critical first impression!
Hi Leesa ~ Super advice and incredibly charming photos. This is an excellent guide to make sure you're show ready.
Liz
Good advice for your sellers. Look at the home through the eyes of the buyer. Hopefully, they will pay attention to those little details that get missed.
Liz - Thanks so much! Sometimes it is the obvious things that trip us up!
Leslie - If a seller can put themselves in the other shoes it almost always opens their eyes!