With spring coming to fruition and summer around the corner, many homeowners are going to opt to put their home on the market.
Spring and early summer is a great time of year to showcase a homes curb appeal…. Dogwoods and Crab Apple trees in full bloom, fresh bark mulch, gardens starting their seasonal bloom, the lawn lush and green from the spring rains…. it certainly a time of year that can inspire a home buyer.
So what is curb appeal?
Curb appeal is the attractiveness of a home as it is viewed from the street and as the home’s entrance is approached.
Don’t underestimate the power curb appeal has. There are still many buyers who grab a list of properties and do drive-by’s to create a list of homes they would like to see. If your home lacks the sizzle some of you competition may have from the street view, your home may be left off the list.
Not only that, curb appeal starts before a buyer comes anywhere near your home. Curb appeal is equally important when it comes to marketing your home. With the advances in the internet and technology, buyers are making decisions based on your photographs of your home.
Curb Appeal Sets Your Buyers First Impression
As a home buyer parks their car and approaches your house, a million things are going through their mind. First, there is much hope your home is the one! As they approach an impression is formed. Usually the lasting impression is the first impression made.
Do you want your home buyer walking through the door with the thought that:
Wow, this home has potential. or
Damn, another wasted Saturday this place is a dump.
Are buyers entering your home already in love with your house? Or, are they already discounted the house because of poor curb appeal.
It is much easier for home buyers to discount small negative things about your home if they already formed that first…… I am in love impression of your home.
Whereas, a bad first impression, will only amplify every little area of your home they don’t like.
Think of a child, when they are happy and excited, everything seems to go well for them and you, the day is easy. If they start there day in a mood and a bad attitude, everything sucks and it is difficult to change their mood. Their favorite toy or snack often can’t turn their day around.
Start your buyers off happy and excited.
Easy Curb Appeal Tips To Help Sell Your Home
The great part about these tips is your not going to be spending a lot of money. Maybe a few weekends to get in shape and some time during the week to maintain. But other than time very little money needs to be spent.
Take The Walk With A Trusted Friend
Start from the street and follow the path your home buyers will take to enter your home. Better yet bring a trusted friend or two with you. Sometimes it is hard to be objective when it comes to our own homes and hopefully your fiends will be honest.
What are your buyers going to see? Do areas need attention.
Fertilize Your Lawn Early
Get out and get your lawn fertilized before you list your home. You will have a beautiful, lush lawn when it comes time to list. The beginning of March is not too soon to lay down some fertilizer to give your lawn that springtime boost.
If your lawn wasn’t looking its best last season think about reseeding. And if you know your listing in the spring the previous fall is the perfect time to lay some groundwork for your lawn.
Keep Your Lawn Mowed
Keep your lawn mowed and trim at all times. A freshly mowed, green lawn is very appealing and frames your house nicely.
Remove the Dog Poop
There is nothing worse than walking a lawn at a home when it is covered with dog poop. How is a buyer going to look at your home when they are stepping in your dog’s business?
Remove Toys and Lawn Equipment
Remove any clutter from toys and lawn equipment from your yard and driveway. The buyer is buying the house and land, not your stuff.
Fresh Bark Mulch
Get a nice layer of fresh bark mulch in your garden beds. Nothing beats that springtime pop of gardens blooming and fresh bark mulch.
Keep The Weeds and Debris Out
Make sure your walkways, gardens and lawns are fee of weeds and dried up leaves. While your in the process of selling your home, keep everything in as close to pristine condition as possible will catch a buyers interest.
Keep Your Driveway and Walkways in Good Repair
Make sure their are no trip hazards from unmaintained walkways stairs and driveways. Reset an pavers that may be loose or sticking up and patch any holes in the driveway. You certainly don’t want a home buyer falling on the way to your front door.
Consider a fresh coat of seal coating to make your driveway pop and give it a fresh clean look.
Give It A Power Wash
Is your siding looking a little dirty and dinghy or have some mildew growing on it? Consider renting a power washer and bringing a nice clean look to your homes exterior.
While you have the power washer don’t forget to give your walkway, decks and driveway a good cleaning as well!
Paint Your Front Door
This is the main point of entry. Give your front door a nice fresh coat of paint if needed. Consider a complimentary color to the color of your house and make it pop. It will give your house a focal point as home buyers approach.
Consider New Hardware and Fixtures
Is your door hardware and wall sconces outdated? Consider updating to a more current style for short money. It can give your entrance a whole new look.
Light It Up
Make sure all of your entryway lighting is working. If you don’t have enough light on your walkways consider inexpensive solar light along the path.
When you leave for showings make sure all the outdoor light are on as well as the interior lights. It will go a long way in making your home buyer’s feel welcome.
Add A Pop of Color
Consider adding some colorful annuals to your landscape. Annuals can be relatively inexpensive and are usually in bloom from spring to early fall. Those colorful annuals can add a little sizzle and pop to your landscaping.
Not much is needed to give that little extra to catch a buyers attention.
Add Planting Containers
Is your house lacking some greenery and landscaping? Think about bringing in some planting containers to hold shrubbery or your annuals.
You want to visually soften up your foundation with planting. A few well placed planters can enhance your homes curb appeal.
Outdoor Areas Inviting
Do you have a front porch or other outdoor living areas? Make sure they are set up to be inviting and a place you want to spend some time.
Replace mildewy seat cushion, maybe throw some fresh finish on the furniture and make sure any decking is clean and refinished.
Final Thoughts on Springtime Curb Appeal
Selling a home isn’t always easy and choosing which projects you tackle for a home sale is important. Improving your homes curb appeal can go a long way in giving your home a boost in your home buyer’s eyes.
Like I said the first impression is usually the lasting impression. Get your buyers loving your home before they walk through your front door. Starting off the showing with a great first impression is a great start.
Create a focal point with your front door from Chris Highland
Increase your homes appeal any time of year from Paul Sian
Curb Appeal Checklist from Lynn Pineda
What 10 Improvements Could Hinder Your Home Sale? from Sharon Paxson
15 Springtime Curb Appeal Tips was provided by Kevin Vitali of EXIT Group One Real Estate of Tewksbury MA. If you would like to buy a home and would like the assistance of a buyers agent. call me. We can sit down and discuss your upcoming purchase and see how I can best help you. 978-360-0422
