Analogies are great. They help us understand why something that may not seem important to us at first glance really is. Let's use an analogy for curb appeal when selling your home and why it is so important to buyers.
Let's compare it to blind dating. Bear with this and you're likely to understand why.
Think of yourself as going on a blind date and the anticipation you feel before meeting that mysterious 
someone.
- They sound great on the phone,
- They looked attractive in a photo online
- They were readily giving you lots of information about themselves via emails.
You're nervous but excited at the chance to meet that special person that you've already gotten to know a little about.
Could this be the person of your dreams, a soul mate, heck a partner for life? 
Or worse, they aren't who they said they were. The photo is really their best friend and everything they wrote in the email was made up or it's a Glamour Shot and the photographer caught their one and only best angle and major 
airbrushing was used!
You start to get nervous as you drive to your destination to meet this person. Scary thoughts are running through you head. You pull into the park where you've arranged to meet. You scan the area and see lots of people. You could leave now you tell yourself. There are joggers and Frisbee players, lots of normal looking people around and you begin to relax. It's not so bad, any one of these people could be your date and they all look pretty decent. Your blind date approaches wearing the green shirt they said they would be and whew! You're relieved, excited even is more like it. They're even better than you imagined and the sinking stomach feel has changed to butterflies and rainbows. This is going to be a great date after all!
OK, can you see now where this may be going? Let's put it in the context of a home buyer. Let's see where this blind date of sorts will lead this time.
- The buyers have gotten the details for your home (their date)
- They're now headed with anticipation to see the property (the house of their dreams maybe).
- They've seen photos online and expectations are high (do they even have air brushing for houses?).
- They drive through the neighborhood and see one house after another of beautifully manicured lawns and seasonal plantings. It is springtime and everything is in bloom.
- They are happy with what they see in the neighborhood. Could this be the house of their dreams?
- As they approach your home they start to get a sinking feeling.
- How come this house doesn't have a manicured lawn and seasonal flowers? (they didn't know weeds could look like grass in a photo)
- Why is that shutter hanging from the side window ?(the best angle must have been photographed)
- How many kids and pets do these people have? (we didn't know you were married & lived with animals)
- There's so much stuff on the lawn! (geez can't you clean up for company?)
How would you feel upon arriving at this house? Their decision may be made right then and there.
They tell the Realtor to drive away and never even step foot inside the home. The buyers flee before even giving it a chance. As surprising as it may seem this is something that does happen more often than you may think.
Curb appeal is the very first impression that a buyer will have upon previewing your property. Make it a lasting one.
Even people driving through a neighborhood may want to see a property based just on exterior curb appeal. Make sure you present the exterior of your property in just as good of condition as the inside of your home.
In some cases curb appeal can truly make or break the sale of a home.
Below are some helpful tips to give your home that butterfly and rainbow feel and make the best impression on the first date.
10 Tips for Top Notch Curb Appeal
- Maintain regular watering, mowing, weeding and edging schedule
- If grass is sparse consider re sodding areas as needed.
- Keep trees and hedges trimmed away from the house (consult with an arborist for best time of year to prune mature trees). If you can't see the house you can't possibly sell it.
- Freshly mulch all beds.
- Seasonal flowers are always a welcome addition but keep in mind water restrictions in your area.
- If house, shutters, siding or front door need repainting or repair do it. A fresh coat of paint says, "Look at me! I've been cared for!" and gives a good return on your investment.
- Keep lawn art, toys and yard equipment out of site. Roll hoses up neatly.
- Pressure wash roofs, walk/driveways and sidewalks if needed. Clean exterior and interior windows, screens and tracks as well.
- Keep porch or entry way free and clear of unnecessary obstructions.
- Invite buyers in with a welcoming wreath (nothing busy) and freshly potted plants on the porch (no more than 2 in uniform pots). A new door mat (not personalized) is also recommended
Think of curb appeal as a great lipstick, put it on well, kiss your buyers hello and leave a lasting first impression! You're sure to make a lasting impression on your first date with buyers....
Copyright 2008 Home Star Staging
Check out this blog along along other great ideas at www.energizedseller.com
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Karen, what a great analogy! Even sellers of condos, where the HOA takes care of (or doesn't) some of the above, there are ways to individualize the units.