Some of the steps we take to prepare a home for sale are what I think about when preparing my home for the holidays – clean up the yard and flower beds, wash windows, walls, & doors, remove & freshen peeling paint, fix loose handrails and MOST fun of all–decorate porch for the season! Amazing curb appeal feels welcoming, inviting, and comfortable.
The National Association of Realtors reports that homes with high ‘curb appeal’ tend to sell for an average of 7% more than similar houses with an uninviting exterior.
Many buyers will do a ‘drive-by’ of your home to see if they get a good first impression BEFORE making an appointment for a showing. As a seller you want to be sure your home looks GREAT from the outside so that people will WANT to come inside and fall in LOVE with your home. Take a close look at the items on the list below and ask yourself if you can do anything to improve the look and feel of your home to prospective buyers.
Clean up the yard and flower beds. Edged sidewalks and driveways make a huge impact on buyers.
Clean windows, doors, porches, garage doors, siding, & gutters. The Addams Family look is not one that appeals to many buyers.
Repair roof, gutters, loose hand rails, steps, and/or any damaged areas from insects or rodents. If buyers see safety issues on the outside, they may suspect other neglected issues exist on the inside.
Create a conversation spot on porch or deck, add pots of flowers, update your mailbox. Make the entryway inviting and welcoming.
