Curb Appeal
Nothing replaces a great first impression. Prospective buyers gather first impressions of your home when they drive up in their car, so it’s important that your home has what realtors call “curb appeal.: A well-kept yard, an impeccably maintained exterior, and flawless details all help your house make your curb more appealing than competing houses on the market.
Begin by pulling out any weeds, freshening up the flower beds, and mowing the lawn. If your lawn is in poor condition you may want to consider rolling out new sod. Adding potted plants near the front door can add a splash of color and new life to your existing front yard.
Installing new light fixtures, new address numbers, and even a new mailbox may seem like small cosmetic fixes but may give the impression of a well-kept home. Additionally, any maintenance touch-ups you can do to the exterior – such as painting the trim or repairing bricks in the fireplace – can also ward off any doubts about future maintenance requirements.
Never underestimate the power of curb appeal. Some buyers may lose interest just driving by if they pull up to a yard full of weeds and a lawn that is a mile high. Don’t lose out on a potential buyer because you’re so busy fixing up the interior. Consider hiring a gardener if you don’t think you’ll be able to maintain the yard while your house is on the market.
It’s important for sellers to have an expert opinion about their home’s value before setting an asking price. One of the best ways to do this is through comparative home sales — known as comps — and appraisals.
