Before anyone sees the inside of your home thay already have formed an impression based on the outside. "Curb Appeal" is what the potential Buyer sees your home as they pull up in the car. Simple things are where you start - put away the trash cans; get rid of cars in the driveway (especially if they are not registered to drive anymore); trim the bushes and trees aways from walkways and windows; and finally put away the plastic children's toys. Don't let your agent take a picture of your home with cars in the driveway and trash cans on the street. That is the major picture that everyone on the internet will be seeing. You only get one chance with impressions from the curb whether it be in the car or on the computer. Many agents send their Buyers out to do drive-bys. This is when they decide if they even want to go in the house.
Let's take a walk around the outside
The Driveway
- Is it clear and unclutter? Can you pull two cars in easily.
- Do you need to remove snow?
- Cut back any trees and bushes from the walkway.
- Should you have it re-sealed or replaced?
- Add a new mailbox
The Front Door
- A fresh coat of paint or stain goes a long way
- Polish the handles
- Clean the windows
- Look around your head for cobwebs
- Make sure it is easy to see the house numbers from the street.
- Put down a new doormat
- Remove a cutesy signs with your family name on it. Let them want to put your name on the house not feel like they are invading your castle.
- Do the locks work easily? Does the door open and shut easily? This is a crucial factor. When there is trouble opening the door everyone starts to get stressed before reaching the inside. Such a negative first impression and so easy to avoid.
- Remove sickly plants.
The Exterior of Your Home
- To paint or not to paint? That is an important question. Go across the street and look at your home. Is it tired and faded? A paint job could be a very good investment. Pick a pleasing color but not an unusual color. And please pick a color that matches the roof. A purple house with a green roof is not going to interest most Buyers.
- Check and clean all the gutters
- Have the chimeny cleaned
- Inspect and pump your septic system. Mark the location of the tank and leach field.
- Have the well tested for water quality and quantity include arsenic, lead, MTBE and e coli bacteria.
- Do you need to power wash the garage door?
- Remove the "Beware of Dog" Sign - remove the dog during all showings.
The Roof
- If you know you have an old leaky roof - simple answer - replace it. If you don't replace it you must disclose the age and condition of the roof.
- Repair or replace any missing shingles
- If your roof isn't leaking - wait for the home inspector and see what they say. No need to spend big money unless you have to.
The Windows
- Fix all broken windows and window screens
- Clean the windows inside and out
The Lawn
- Mow it. And keep it mowed.
- Trim the edges
- Rake up any grass cuttings or leaves
- Seed it
- Fertilize it
- Water it
- Do you have brown spots?
The Front Yard
- How is your landscaping? Are you the best on the block, average or need improvement?
- Add a splash of color with flowers. Use mature annuals as it will take too long for bulbs to come up and seeds to bloom.
- Add fresh mulch to the flower beds and around shrubs & trees.
- Cut back bushes that block windows and driveways.
- Sweep the walkways
- Put away all tools and gardening equipment.
The Deck
- Add potted plants or haning plants for color
- Set the table for a picnic
- Borrow lawn furniture if you have to. Or clean the lawn furniture you have.
- Clean the grill
- Power wash the deck
- Do you need to re-stain or re-paint?
- Check all the railings and steps. Do they need to be tightened?
- Do you need to replace any decking boards?
- Keep the firewood neatly stacked.
The Back Yard
- This needs to be a tidy area - reduce clutter
- If you have a pool or spa - keep them clean and well maintained.
- Pick up all the dog poop and keep it picked up. There is nothing worse than having to tell a Buyer to watch out for the dog bombs. Now the Buyers will want to get out fast.
- Remove large play structures in advance so that your yard looks bigger.
- Inspect the fence. Repair, paint, replace are the questions you should ask yourself.
- Fix sagging or squeaking gates, rusty latches and old paint.
Other upgrades
- Motion sensitive lights
- Lawn sprinkler system with timer
Try to look at your home as if you were the Buyer. Would you want to spend the money you are asking for? Would you think it was worth it based on the competition? The condition of your home is one of the things you actually have control over.
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