Curb appeal is the first impression of your home, especially when you’re trying to sell it. Make it count and entice buyers to come in. I know you’re probably thinking that curb appeal is the last thing on your mind. Why should you spend time outside when inside is good enough?
Because the first impression people give is the one they will stay with. Buyers form an opinion within 8-10 seconds of viewing the home. When they arrive at the house, the first thing they see is the curb appeal.
And if the exterior is not cared for, what makes the buyer think that the interior is well maintained? So here are 10 tips on how you can make a great first impression with your curb appeal.
1. Mowing the lawn – Tall grass is an indication that you don’t live there anymore or don’t care. Either one is bad. If you had to move before selling your home, have a lawn service visit you weekly to keep the grounds in good repair.
2. mulch beds – If you have flower beds in front of your house, rake up the mulch to keep it looking fresh. Make sure the mulch has not receded to the point of showing bare soil. Add more if necessary.
3. Get rid of weeds – Weeding can be an almost weekly chore, but it makes a world of difference if you have a beautiful garden. Weeds are like clutter in a garden. Select them to display the plants and shrubs.
4. Sidewalks/house pressure washing – Hire or rent a power washer to clean your sidewalks and siding. It’s the easiest way to freshen up an unpainted exterior. Just like you scrubbed your kitchen counters and stove, the sidewalk and siding need the same elbow grease.
5. Cut bushes away from the house – I have seen many houses where the bushes are planted right next to the house and seem to swallow the house! Cut them out so you can see the house. If you have tall trees in front of the house, raise the top of the tree by cutting back the lower branches so you can see the house as well.
6. Remove cobwebs and insect houses (wasp nests) – Walk around your house and remove cobwebs. If you pressure wash your house, you may have already received them. Pay particular attention to potential wasp nests under the eaves and remove them. Not only will it help clean the house, but you won’t have to worry about getting bitten later. If you have an infestation, call a professional to remove it immediately.
7. Sweep/Wash Porch – If you have a front door porch or alcove, dirt and dust can accumulate here as well. Make the front door area welcoming by adding a planter box with a flower pot or a colorful chair.
8. House numbers must be visible – Nothing is more frustrating than looking up house numbers. Be sure to put the numbers on the door or right next to it. Make sure your mailbox also has numbers. If there is no mailbox and your house is tucked behind some trees, add a post to the end of the driveway and screw the numbers to the post. That way, there is no confusion in the direction.
9. Highlight the front door – You’d be surprised how many houses have multiple doors on the front of the house. Make sure there is a clear path to the front door and that nothing obscures you like bushes or potted plants. Give your front door a fresh coat of paint if it needs it.
10. Repair broken items (sunlights, steps, screen) – I see this all the time. Solar lights installed along the walkway, but the tops are missing, fell off, or the dog stepped on them. Fix or remove them.
Once again, we are trying to entice the buyer into the house. If they have to walk through a jungle to get to the front, it might scare them. Polish up that curb appeal and you’ll be on your way to moving in fast.