One of the best ways to make a great impression on potential buyers and even increase the value of your home is by paying attention to its curb appeal. In addition to what you should do to help your home put its best foot forward and make a wonderful first impression, there are a few common mistakes you should know about--and avoid.
Don't forget to avoid these common curb appeal mistakes.
Cluttered Driveway
You likely already understand the importance of decluttering your home before selling it. Decluttering helps the space appear clean, well-maintained, and spacious. It also makes it easier for your potential buyer to imagine themselves in the home.
Greg Kennedy, Calgary Real Estate Professional suggests: "A cluttered driveway can also be a deterrent. Storing garbage bins on the driveway or even just parking vehicles on it can make the home appear smaller or less functional than it is. If you do not have a garage or cannot park in it, plan to move your vehicles off the driveway for all open houses, showings, and when the photographer is getting photos for the listing. Any vehicles that are waiting to be repaired or are not in working order should be towed to a different place while your home is on the market to avoid a poor first impression as buyers view the home."
Personalized Lawn and Garden Decor
Personalized outdoor decor like lawn ornaments, customized flags and welcome mats, or kids' toys don't make a great impression. It is a common curb appeal mistake to leave these things out in the yard, but they are likely to distract from the best parts of your property and make it more challenging for potential buyers to imagine themselves making it their home.
Broken or Damaged Eyesores
Pay careful attention to features around the exterior of your home that may be showing wear and tear or are broken or damaged. A common curb appeal mistake many sellers make is focusing on repairing the interior of the home while forgetting about details outside, which can still make an impact.
Some of the most common exterior features that may need some attention include:
- Mailboxes
- House numbers
- Splintering or worn decking
- Landscape Lighting
- Garden bed edging
- Gutters
Look for anything that gives the appearance of a home that has not been well maintained. Even if your buyers only notice it subconsciously, the condition of the exterior will make an important impression.
More: Garden Trends for 2023
Bold Color Palette
Bold colors can be a fun way to add personality to the home, but they can also distract your potential buyers and potentially deter them. Opting for a more natural color palette that will appeal to a wider range of buyers is the way to go. If your home is painted in a bright or bold color, consider investing in repainting it in something that will appeal to the broader community.
Comments(2)