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Five Ways to Create Curb Appeal

By
Real Estate Sales Representative with Prudential Clyde Hendrick

Five Ways to Create Curb Appeal

 

 

 

By Daniel C. Hendrick, Broker, GRI, CCDS

Prudential Clyde Hendrick, REALTORS

 

A sale can be made or lost as a direct result of your home's curb appeal. When it comes to selling your home, the first impression is probably the most important impression. If the outside of the property doesn't create interest or appear well-maintained, a buyer may choose to not even come inside the home. Here are five ways to create curb appeal.

  

Paint and polish. A fresh coat of paint breathes new life into a tired-looking home. If your home looks dull or suffers from peeling, cracked or chipped surfaces, a paint job is a great investment. Polish the doorknocker and mail slot on the front door, as well as any light fixtures by the entry. Re-condition your deck. Consider renting a power washer to clean dirt and mildew from the wood, and then apply an all-weather sealer or stain.

 

Manicure the grounds. Mow and edge the grass, and trim the trees and bushes. Also, clear away dead leaves and flowers, and mulch and weed the beds. Check to see that tree branches are not touching the home's roof or outer walls. Add some color to your landscape by planting annuals and placing planters of flowers in strategic spots. You can even spruce up the property by hanging flowering baskets. Add flowering plants in the back yard, too. 

 

Make needed repairs. See if anything is unhinged, loose or just an eyesore. Fix everything including broken fencing, windows and screens. Make sure winter's cold weather didn't leave any gutters sagging or loose. Replace any missing shingles from the roof. Try the doorbell. Check stairs and railings. Test doors for squeaks and rusted hinges. Don't forget to take a critical look at the property at night. Make sure the lights work, and replace dim and burned-out bulbs.

  

Unclutter. Tidy up the deck, patio and back yard. Rearrange the outdoor furniture to look inviting.  Put away gardening tools and toys. Clean up the barbecue area. Eliminate any "evidence" of pets, and restrict them to the back yard when showing the home. Move extra vehicles from the view of passersby.

 

Clean. Clean the windows, inside and out, wash down the walks and driveway, and hose down the siding. Clean outdoor furniture and cushions. Check for oil spots on cement surfaces, especially the garage floor.        

           

The old saying about making a good first impression couldn't be truer than when you are selling your home. Even the smallest enhancements can make a big difference in creating love at first sight for buyers.

Comments (3)

Ralph Gorgoglione
Metro Life Homes - Palm Springs, CA
California and Hawaii Real Estate (310) 497-9407

Thanks for the post.

Curb appeal is everything, on many different levels.

And you only get one shot at first impressions, which sets the psychological tone from that point on.

Jul 01, 2009 02:30 AM
Dan Hendrick
Prudential Clyde Hendrick - Grand Haven, MI

Thanks for your comments Ralph. 

What led me to write this blog is we have an equipement rental compay in my area that has great equipment (very well taken care of) great, honest, people.  They just moved locations and went from a very attractice building to one with lots of differed maintenance.  My perception of the company has now changed.  Even thought it is the same people, same equipment, the curb appeal makes me think that what they have to offer me know might not be as good.  I know the same it true with residential Real Esatate.  The first impression is everything.

Jul 01, 2009 02:45 AM
Wayne Johnson
Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper REALTORS® - San Antonio, TX
San Antonio REALTOR, San Antonio Homes For Sale

Dan, You are so right. Sometimes it's the simple things that can make a transaction happen, or cause one home to be selected over another.

Jul 01, 2009 02:52 AM