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It's Not What's on the Outside that Counts.... Or is it?

By
Real Estate Agent with Pine Knoll Shores Realty NCRE# 242843

It's Not What's on the Outside that Counts.... Or is it?

We have all heard the phrase, "It's Not What's on the Outside that Counts"!  Well,  I hate to break it to you, but when it comes to selling your home,  What's on the outside counts just as much as what's on the inside.... If not more!  Remember, You never get a second chance to make a first impression!  You do not need to spend a fortune, but a little cash (and sometimes NO Cash) and a lot of elbow grease can go a long way when improving your home's curb appeal!

  

  • A fresh coat of paint on the front door and a couple of Brightly colored flowers in pots can make a big difference.
  • Replace the hardware on the front door to make it really shine.  
  • Fix the broken fence, remove all debris & trash from the yard.  
  • Keep the yard mowed and the shrubs trimmed.  
  • A new door mat may just be the perfect touch.  
  • What about the mailbox?  Make sure it is standing up straight, and paint it too!
  • Pressure Wash!!!!!  You can make the driveway and vinyl siding look brand new in a couple of hours.  Use caution with wood or other painted surfaces and remember to use Low Pressure to clean those areas to reduce splintering & chipping.  If you do not own a pressure washer, they can be rented from most Home Improvement Centers.  
  • Keep the windows squeaky clean!  


When placing your home on the market, Keep an open mind.  What are the first things you notice when you pull in the driveway?  Are the troll collection & other lawn ornaments in the garden a distraction?  Are the house numbers clearly visable? Are the gutters clean and properly installed?  Can you see the roof through the pine straw?  Are the weeds taking over? Are the shutters faded or worse.... Falling off?  Are the window boxes filled with dead flowers & stems?  Are the outdoor lights working properly? Try to look at your home as a potential buyer would.  


Once the outside looks fabulous, make sure the inside matches!  And yes, Sweat the small stuff.... It can make all the difference! 

Comments(12)

Lori Gardiner
RE/MAX River's Edge - Bristol, RI
GRI, SRS, ABR, e-PRO

Hi Amy,

Great post and tips!  I also educate my Sellers....as this is very important as well.

Jan 20, 2012 01:00 AM
Peg Barcelo
Fluff My House! Home Staging Inc. 250.486.6369 - Summerland, BC
The FlufftasticStager from Summerland, BC

Amy, curb a ppeal is so important! You want buyers to at least get outta the car! I remember seeing a home last year that had a pine tree sapling (6 inches) growing out of the eavestrough. I said that maybe it was time for a gutter cleaning...

Jan 20, 2012 03:17 AM
Sheila Anderson
Referral Group Incorporated - East Brunswick, NJ
The Real Estate Whisperer Who Listens 732-715-1133

Good morning Amy. This is a wonderful post and I did laugh out loud a couple of times. My favorite is the Troll Collection. Suggested.

Jan 20, 2012 03:28 AM
Amy Hahn
Pine Knoll Shores Realty - Morehead City, NC
Realtor/Broker - Crystal Coast, NC

Lori - Curb appeal is soooooo important!  Some buyers can see the potential, but many can't!  Thanks and have a great day!

Peg - I know that my own home could use a little outside work :0(  Fortunately, I am not trying to sell it!  Now, I'm picturing a pine sapling in my gutters..... Gonna be gorgeous out this weekend, maybe I'll clean the gutters!

Sheila - Thanks!  I had a listing recently with TONS of trolls..... IT was funny, but many buyers would have been turned off!  Those trolls found a new home (in boxes in the garage).

Jan 20, 2012 03:52 AM
Liz and Bill Spear
Transaction Alliance 513.520.5305 www.LizTour.com - Mason, OH
Transaction Alliance Cincinnati & Dayton suburbs

Amy, Solid tips!  You've got to get them past the outside to get them inside to hopefully fall in love. Buyers ARE superficial :)

Jan 20, 2012 04:24 AM
Melissa McKinney
Everything Pines Partners Fayetteville - Fayetteville, NC
Realtor, www.LivingFayetteville.com

Amy~ Good information and so true!! I have had buyers in the car and we pull up in front of a home and they decide right away from the outside that they do not want to see the inside! Needs to wrapped with a pretty bow!

Jan 20, 2012 06:00 AM
Donna Foerster
HomeSmart Realty Group - Parker, CO
Metro Denver Real Estate Assistant

Pressure washing is so important.  I notice a lot of spider webs when I'm showing homes.

Jan 20, 2012 06:09 AM
Jimmy Phan
KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY IN MOORESVILLES, NC - Hickory, NC
Phan real estate group in hickory

Hi Amy

some of these points can be underestimated which could make or break the deal.

You never get a second chance to make a first impression!

love it

thanks for sharing Amy


jp

Jan 20, 2012 02:56 PM
David Shamansky
US Mortgages - David Shamansky - Highlands Ranch, CO
Creative, Aggressive & 560 FICO - OK, Colorado Mtg

Hey Amy great advice and oh so true. Caught this from Jimmys reblog.

A worthy read for anyone looking to sell

Jan 20, 2012 03:00 PM
Ellen Caruso
Daniel Gale Sotheby's International Realty - Glen Head, NY

Amy, I had the same thought today when passing a house that struck me with those same feeling. It is the small touches people will remember!

Jan 20, 2012 03:31 PM
Joni Bailey
101 Main St. Realty - Huntsville, TX
Your Huntsville / Lake Livingston Area REALTOR®
This is good stuff, Amy!! You're right! You only get 1 chance to make a great 1st impression! Don't blow it! :)
Jan 21, 2012 07:30 AM
Cheryl Dickson
Retired Realtor / Retired Home Inspector - Oklahoma City, OK
Retired Realtor, GRI / Retired Home Inspector

Awesome advice Amy! I can vouch for that! When I go in neighborhoods looking for a home I definitely have ruled some out because of my first impression. If the property looks unkempt, I can assume the home's maintenance was let go too. And I'm not in the market for a bunch of REPAIR Bills due to lack of maintenance.

Jan 22, 2012 12:15 PM