'Tis the season - for all the for sale signs to start popping up in yards! Summer is always a popular time for people to buy and sell their homes. So, if you're thinking about listing your home and wondering what you should do to capture your buyer's interest from the very first glance - this post is for you!
While most home sellers automatically start thinking about home upgrades that add value, what to do before listing that house, and even home staging tips that attract buyers, you really don't want to forget how to up that curb appeal so you can grab hold of potential buyers the second they pull up in their cars!
After all, we might barely notice what our houses look like from the front once we live there and start parking in the garage, but it'll be the very first impression that our homes make on buyers and realtors.
In today's competitive real estate market, everything matters, which is why you'll want to take a critical eye to your own curb appeal.
Wait, What Is Curb Appeal?
Curb appeal is the impression your home makes from the exterior when viewed from the street. Think about the features that make a home attractive to you when driving by - such as, clean landscaping, fresh exterior paint, attractive furniture, no broken items or cars in the front, appropriate lighting, and more.
The things that you notice on other homes will be the same things that potential buyers will see first when they look at your home. In fact, many buyers won't even tour a home that they found unattractive when browsing on listing sites, unless they're specifically looking for a fixer upper.
So, if you want to sell your home fast and for top dollar, it's time to pay attention to every detail - starting with your curb appeal.
Curb Appeal Tips That Sell:
1. Freshen Exterior Materials:
Take a good look at the paint or exterior materials. Do they need a good cleaning? Maybe power washing will do the trick! You'd be surprised what power washing can do for the appearance of exteriors. Use your power washer to bring exterior materials back to life, including brick, walkways, driveways, wood, decking, and even outdoor furniture.
But, in some cases, washing will not be enough. It may be time to consider an exterior paint job in a neutral color to make your home look its best.
2. Wash Those Windows:
Many homeowners simply don't have the time or the supplies to wash all the exterior windows, especially if you have a two-story (or more) home.
Hiring window washers is more affordable than you might think and can really make those windows shine.
Also, consider repairing any damaged shutters, window trim and replacing old, shoddy screens while you're at it.
3. Spruce Up Landscaping:
This one applies to all landscaping for the entire exterior (and consider the backyard, too). Here are some ideas of what to add to your list:
Remove any dead or overgrown landscaping, including bushes and trees
Freshen up landscaping with new plants
Freshen up bark or pebble areas with top-off of materials
Have landscaping professionally trimmed and maintained while selling
Freshen up grass to repair any dead or yellowed spots
Consider fresh plants and flowers to add life and color to the exterior by adding potted plants on the deck, along the walkway, or to draw attention to key areas of the exterior
If gardening and landscaping aren't your strengths, bring in the professionals. This is an investment that will improve how your home does on the market.
4. Fix Up The Front Door:
This one is important. Front doors show the wear and tear of being used constantly. Consider bringing the paint back to life with a fresh coat or repairing wood doors. Replace hardware and fix any damage.
If doors are in good shape, give them a good cleaning to remove scuffs, dirt, weather damage and make sure they shine.
Also, look at other details, like your house number and mailbox. Give them a similar treatment so everything is cohesive.
5. Light Up With Lighting:
Lighting is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to liven up a space - inside or out. By adding solar lighting along paths, replacing old lighting by the garage or on the porch, and adding little lights in garden beds, you can really transform the exterior of your home.
6. Remove Trash & Eyesores:
It's time to grab that garbage bag and get to work. Clean out the debris and leaves from those gutters. Remove that broken furniture or weather tattered items on the porch. Remove that car off to the side that you always wanted to fix up (but haven't yet).
Your goal should be for your exterior to look as clean and uncluttered as a model home. If you have to find temporary storage for some of your items - go for it! It'll be worth it in the end.
7. Furnish Thoughtfully:
Now that everything is cleaned up, consider furnishing thoughtfully. Invest in a sweet set of chairs and a bistro table for that cute porch or set up a little sitting area facing that beautiful view you want to make sure your buyer's notice. Use potted plants and greenery near the door and a new doormat to welcome them in.
Some sellers even stage a few different set ups and then put it up for vote on social media to get other people's perspectives! This is a great way to see through the eyes of your potential buyer.
8. Maintain It:
You've cleaned, spruced, and decorated - so now what? Well, it's time to maintain it. This can be easier said than done, especially if you've got a family, pets, visitors and other responsibilities that mean you can't spend every minute pruning and karate chopping pillows.
But, don't forget that a small investment in your curb appeal and in hiring professionals to help you keep it maintained will pay off in the end when a buyer falls in love with your home and has to have it.
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What do you think? Is curb appeal important to you? We are confident that these tips will help you transform the exterior of your home, so that it will be a buyer magnet!
We hope these tips will help you in preparing the exterior of your home to list and sell. If you're in the Sacramento area, give us a call at 916.524.9733 - we love working with new clients.
Thanks for reading!