10 Quick Tips On Curb Appeal

Curb appeal is the first impression of your home especially when you are trying to sell it. Make it count and woo in buyers to come inside. I know you are probably thinking curb appeal is the last thing on your mind. Why should you spend any time on the outside when the inside is good enough?

Because the first impression people make is the one they will stick with. Buyers make an opinion within 8-10 seconds of seeing the home. When they pull up to the home, the curb appeal is the first thing they see.

And if the outside isn’t taken care of, then what makes the buyer think the inside is well maintained? So here are 10 tips on how you can make a great first impression with your curb appeal

1. Mow the lawn – Tall grass is an indication that you no longer live there or don’t care. Either one is bad. If you had to move out before selling your home, have a lawn service come over weekly to keep the grounds maintained.

2. Mulch beds – If you have flower beds in the front of your home, rake up the mulch so it looks fresh. Make sure the mulch has not receded to the point of showing bare ground. Add more if needed.

3. Get rid of weeds – Weeding can be an almost weekly chore, but it makes such a difference if you have a beautiful garden. Weeds are like clutter in a garden. Pick them out to show off the plants and shrubs.

4. Power wash sidewalks/house – Hire out or rent a power washer to get your sidewalks and siding cleaned. It is the easiest way to freshen up the outside without painting. Just like you scrubbed those kitchen counters and stove, the sidewalk and siding need that same elbow grease.

5. Cut shrubs back away from the house – I’ve seen many houses where the shrubs are planted right next to the house and they seem to swallow up the home! Cut them back so that you can actually see the house. If you have tall trees in front of the house, lift the tree canopy by cutting the lower limbs so you can see the home as well.

6. Remove cobwebs and insect homes (wasp nests) – Walk around your home and sweep away the cobwebs. If you power wash your home, you may have already gotten them. Pay particular attention to any potential wasp nests under the eaves and remove them. Not only will it help clean up the house, but you don’t have to worry about getting stung later. If you have an infestation, call a professional to remove them right away.

7. Sweep/wash the porch – If you have a porch or an alcove to the front door, dirt and dust can accumulate here too. Make the front door area welcoming by adding a plant holder with a potted plant or a colorful chair.

8. House numbers need to be visible – Nothing is more frustrating than looking for house numbers. Be sure to put the numbers on the door or just beside it. Make sure your mailbox has numbers on it too. If there is no mailbox and your house is hidden behind some trees, add a post at the end of the driveway and screw numbers to the post. That way, there is no confusion on the address.

9. Front door stands out – You would be amazed at how many homes have multiple doors on the front of the house. Make sure there is a clear path to the front door and nothing hides it like bushes or potted plants. Give your front door a fresh coat of paint if it needs it.

10. Fix broken items (solar lights, steps, screen) – I see this all the time. Solar lights installed along the walkway but they are missing tops, fell over or have been stepped on by the dog. Fix them or remove them.

Again we are trying to woo the buyer into coming into the home. If they have to walk through a jungle to get to the front, it could scare them away. Polish up that curb appeal and you will be on your way to moving out quickly.