Although we spend a lot of time and attention on the interior of our homes and even in the backyards, we tend to ignore the most viewed area of our little kingdoms: the front yard. This is the only space that everyone sees—from strangers rolling down the street to our neighbors that surround us to the many service people who bring our mail or drop off packages—and if its unappealing to them, can you imagine what potential buyers may think? Spring is the season when our thoughts lightly turn to moving, and if your house is going to be one of the hundreds of homes that will be offered for sale, these tips on how to add curb appeal could be the difference between a top dollar offer and languishing on the market for months.
Cleanliness makes a difference. Power wash your porch furniture, put your bikes in the garage, and wash those windows. Neat and tidy appeals to everyone, and even if you’re not quite ready to list your home, it will feel wonderful to come home to every night! This is also a good time to complete any repairs that you have been putting off. Mend those screens, replace the cushions on your porch swing, and fix the leaning mailbox; these are all minor expenses that can help bring a maximum return when your house sells.
Painting your house can be an expensive proposition, but it is the quickest way to ensure your home is ready to be seen. Faded and chipping paint will have potential buyers asking questions. If you didn’t bother to paint, what other important things did you overlook? Just a word of caution: Keep the paint scheme simple and elegant. Just because you love fuchsia and lime green doesn’t mean your buyers will feel the same way!
Never underestimate the power of hanging planters filled with cheerful flowers. Just as jewelry completes a woman’s wardrobe, it’s the pretty accessories that will show buyers that you care. Sometimes it can be as simple as adding solar powered lanterns along the sideway that leads to your front door. Coming in an array of styles and costs, this easy fix adds romance and beauty without the necessity of hiring an expensive electrician. Adding a garden bench, trimming the trees and bushes that hide the charm of your front door, or replacing that leaning mailbox with a decorative and attractive cast iron version can add to the listing price of your home without breaking the budget.
Give us a call and set up an appointment with our award-winning realtors. Between your efforts and their skills and experience, your home may just bring in the highest price in the neighborhood!
