Homeowners that have lived in their homes for a long period in time tend to overlook simple cosmetic flaws and buyer obstacles.  In fact, they may not even notice that crack in the wall or the ripped screen in the bedroom window, but new potential buyers will, they will make their minds up in the first 10 seconds of seeing the seller's home!

It's these little things that will make a difference in selling a home quickly or it sitting on the market.  Curb appeal is vital to selling a home and it's up to us to help these sellers understand, recognize and cleanup this "little things"!

There are two ways you own a home, one way is to live in it, the other is to sell it!  When you want to sell it, a stager can be a very good investment to selling your home.  A stager can help you gauge your home's curb appeal. 

To understand your home's curb appeal, you start by looking at it while standing across the street. What do you notice? What is your eye drawn to? For those who can no longer "see" what their house really looks like, they might enlist someone who can, whether it's a professional or a trusted friend. 

Next, look at the following areas and take stock in the different areas of the exterior.

Landscaping

• Are the shrubs and lawn overgrown? If so, trim back the shrubs and mow the lawn. Get rid of plants that look as if they're on their last leg (this would be a good time to remove plants damaged during the last cold snap).
• Get rid of any unsightly weeds. Those about to put their home on the market might consider hiring a gardener or landscaper to maintain the yard if they don't have the time to keep it consistently tidy.
• Add color to your home. Evergreen landscapes are fine, but adding a little color can go a long way. Add some colorful annuals to the beds.

Front Door

• Dress up a worn front door with a fresh coat of paint and/or new hardware, such as a decorative handle, kickplate or knocker.
• Is your welcome mat more worn than welcoming? If so, replace it.
• If space allows, add containers with plants of varying height (something tall with something that cascades over the sides).

Other Areas

• Get a new address plate or find fancier numbers to use for your address.
• If space allows, add a small bench or other seating on the porch or inside the doorway so guests have a place to sit.
• Jazz up a plain door with a wreath. An already ornate door can be left alone if its design is striking.
• Give the exterior a good cleaning with a pressure washer.
• Wash the windows.
• Declutter. If you have too many accessories, pots, flags or other doodads in front of the house, pare it down.

Remember! "Less is more and more is Less!"

David L. Britt, MBA
Olathe, Kansas
David L. Britt Real Estate
Heritage Real Estate
The Heritage Real Estate Team
Olathe Neighbors 

Guiding You HOME!