“Seventy-four percent of all home buyers use the Internet to shop for a new home. If at first glance they don’t like what they see, they will move on.”
Present Your Home As You Would Present Yourself
In life, presentation is important, especially first impressions. We have a better chance of getting positive feedback when we incorporate these things in our relations, or upon meeting somebody. A few examples would be when someone is reviewing our resume, having a job interview, or when we are on a first date. If we have failed, or fell short in any of these situations a big part of it may be because we did not present ourselves with the correct appearance.
“Curb appeal not only helps sell your home at a quicker rate but it has been proven that it can earn an extra $5000 or more in resale value.“
First Impressions Are Everything
When you are selling a home these same traits are just as important. When a prospective buyer is viewing a home for sale the exterior appearance is obviously the first thing that they see. This is why having curb appeal is essential in providing that “first impression”.
Curb appeal can often indicate the difference between a house sitting for months, or selling in a few weeks. If you want to maximize the value of your home, do not neglect curb appeal!
Driveway Maintenance
The first thing that we notice when pulling up to a house is their driveway. Let me rephrase that. A NEW driveway or a FRESHLY SEALED driveway is the first thing they will notice.
Landscaping
Lawn
Be sure that your lawn is freshly mowed. Unkempt, long grass does not look appealing. Be sure to rake and dispose of leaves.
Flower bed/bushes
If you have a flower bed and/or bushes make sure that they look intact. Trim the bushes, and pull any weeds. Use a red mulch to cover the soil around the flower bed. The appearance of a clean cut grass with fresh mulch really amps up the appearance of the front lawn.
Install Outdoor Lighting
Solar light fixtures are inexpensive and a great way to illuminate your front yard. Fixtures can also add accent lighting to trees or the house.
Renew Your Front Entrance
Before they enter your home, potential home buyers can’t help but look at your door. Make sure the door is clean without any scuff marks. If it needs to be painted, paint it. Consider purchasing a new doormat and some potted flowers. If possible, place two large planters on both sides of the door, or walkway. It will add a warm feel before entering. Consider using yellow flowers. Yellow evokes a buying emotion.
Curb Appeal Exercise
Walk to the end of your driveway, or far enough on the road to get a good view of your home and its surroundings. Act as though you are looking at it for the very first time. You would then like to ask yourself a few questions:
- What is your first impression of the house and yard area?
- What are the best exterior features of the house or lot? How can you enhance them?
- What are the worst exterior features of the house or lot? How can you minimize or improve them?
Answering these questions will give you a good idea of where to start and where to finish. Good luck on your sell!