First Impressions at the curb!

It has been scientifically proven you have 7 seconds to make a first impression on someone.   In Real Estate, that first impression is the curb appeal of your home.   What do you want that first impression to be?  Easily you could say I want my home to look welcoming and inviting.   How do you translate that into curb appeal?   How do you manifest the outside of your home into looking so lovely that a potential buyer will be drawn to the inside?

Let’s start with the facts; what would a House Inspector say?   He would suggest all foliage trimmed away from the home and that tree limbs should be at least 3 feet from any roof line.   He would advise eliminating all debris from flower beds and removing wood piles that could harbor termites or carpenter ants.

Aesthetically speaking, we know a well manicured yard speaks volumes and if it’s that well kept on the outside, then more than likely its well kept on the inside.   Keeping your lawn mowed, edged and watered with frequent weeding and mulched flower beds are very important.   Add new sod if there are bare spots or fill in with peat moss and seed.   Make sure there are no toys or sports equipment lying around the yard as well!

Foliage is the next step in creating that fantastic curb appeal.   It has been proven that color produces a psychological effect in people and evokes an emotional response.   Green means prosperity so plant shrubs and ornamental grasses.   Warm colors mean strength and yellow grabs the eye and increases energy and vitality.   The color of the exterior of your home should be considered when picking out flowers as you want the landscaping to flow around the home.   If you have existing plants, try adding a few pots with different flowers in them.   Personally, I like using one type and color of pot for uniformity then expressing myself with different varieties of flowers.

Finally, wash the windows and door down, remove screens for brighter windows, and power wash the side walk and drive way.    Now you have just completed step one of getting your house market ready and you are well on your way to selling your home!