Warmer weather, longer days and flowering bulbs give us spring fever after the long dreary winter. It also reminds me that many sellers miss the opportunity to make a great first impression at the curb. If a potential buyer doesn't like what they see when they pull up to a house, they are not likely to bother going inside--ask any realtor. The exterior of a house sets the tone for what awaits a buyer inside. If the exterior is drab and not well maintained, what impression does that give of the interior?
When you have lived in a house for a number of years, it is easy to lose sight of how overgrown the landscaping has become. I recently had difficulty locating a new client's house because I could not see the house numbers due to the overgrown shrubs. The sellers loved the privacy the hedge provided, but had not considered the impression it may give a potential buyer.
It can be helpful to stand across the street and critically look at the front of the house as if you were a potential buyer. Be honest--what impression does it convey? Inexpensive curb appeal "fixes" include a new mailbox, house numbers, a large welcome mat by the front door and fresh mulch in beds. A variety of lightweight planters can be found at craft or home improvement stores. Fill them with pansies and place them by the front entrance to add some much needed color to an early spring landscape. Investing a few dollars in improving a home's curb appeal can set the tone for a successful sale.
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