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How Collin County Sellers Maximize Their Homes' Curb Appeal

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Real Estate Agent with Elite Texas Properties, the best homes from McKinney to Dallas!

How Collin County Sellers Maximize Their Homes' Curb Appeal

 

Yellow and Purple PansiesThinking of selling your house?  Here are some important things you should do to prepare your home to impress Buyers.  Making the effort to do the tasks on this list will maximize your home's curb appeal!

Landscaping:  Many Collin County Sellers maximize their home's curb appeal by planting flowers to draw attention to their house.  This is a great idea! Be sure to keep up with the watering, especially in summer -- dried up flowers aren't inviting.  Covering the dirt in the flower beds with thick, dark mulch makes the beds look very tidy and finishes off the look. 

Plants in a potTip: For an alternative splash of color, fill a large flower pot with a mix of green plants and flowers.  This is an economical way to add floral color and a little interest at the front door.

Lawn:   Of course, it is important to keep your lawn cut and edged.  During the summer months here in Collin County and North Dallas, the grass grows quickly requiring mowing at least weekly.  Trim away any tall grass or weeds growing around the outdoor air conditioning unit and along fence lines. 

Front Porch:  Look up.  Eeewww, how long have those cobwebs been up there?  Remove webs and debris by sweeping the porch ceiling and corners with a broom.  Better scrape off that old wasp's nest and get the moths out of the porch light while you're at it.

Front Door:  Wipe down the front door with a damp cloth removing any dust as well as dirt and smudges around the doorframe. 

This would be a good time to mention that the doorknob and lock needs to be in good condition.  The lock needs to open easily for the buyers' agent without hassle.  If the extra key you made for the showing key box doesn't quite work unless you jiggle it, get another key cut until it works properly.  The lock is the first and last experience buyers have with your home during a showing - you don't want it to begin and end with a stubborn lock.

Door Mat:  Is the door mat showing wear?  Get a new one.  It will look better and you can use it at your new house.  Go with something basic.  Avoid gimmicky mats that say something like, Wipe Your Paws.  Sure, they're fun, but we're aiming for the look of Architectural Digest, not Reader's Digest.

Prune shrubs and trees if needed:  Over time trees can detract from the look of your house if they haven't been pruned.  Stand across the street from your house and take an objective look.  Are your trees covering up the nice details of your house that made it so attractive to you when you purchased it?  If so, you may need to remove several of the trees' lower limbs.  Any limbs that are close to touching the house need to be removed as well. 

Shrubs that have grown up above the window sills can make a house appear tired or old.  Cut the shrubs down closer to the window sill height, and your house will have a fresher, well-maintained look. 

Gutters:  Most buyers will never notice a home's gutters, but sometimes an inspector will.  If leaves have filled your gutters, or are spilling over the sides, this is the perfect time to clean them out.

Paint:  If the trim around your house is in good condition there's no need to paint just because you're selling.  But, if the paint is starting to wear thin, or your paint is an unusual color, you'll want to repaint it.  A fresh, clean paint job looks great.  I can give you advice on some of the most popular trim colors preferred by homeowners and put you in touch with some great painters - call 972-816-7205 or email for details at Melanie@MelanieHedrick.com

Clean Windows:  After the mowing, pruning and dusting have been accomplished, it's time to wash the windows.  Remove the screens to do the best job.  This is a lot of work but it makes a noticeable difference.  You'll be surprised how your windows sparkle more than any house on the block.

Collin County Sellers maximize their homes' curb appeal to attract as many buyers as possible.   If your home looks well cared for on the outside, Buyers will want to see how great it looks on the inside.  For more information on how your home can make the best first impression, contact me at 972-816-7205 or email Melanie@MelanieHedrick.com

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Comments(3)

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Vickie McCartney
Maverick Realty - Owensboro, KY
Broker, Real Estate Agent Owensboro KY

Hi Melanie~ It is so important to make a good first impression and everyone comes in through the front door and rides by and looks at the front as well! 

Jan 21, 2011 03:47 PM
Cheryl Johnson
Highland Park, CA

Good tips even for folks who aren't selling right now!

Re dead moths collecting in the porch light:  People sometimes think I'm a bit loopy when I mention this; but if someone is going to replace a light fixture anyway, I always suggest looking for a "hanging lantern" style with an open bottom end. 

First, you don't have to disassemble the whole thing to replace a light bulb; and second, since the bottom end is open, it doesn't collect dead bugs.   :-)

Jan 21, 2011 10:44 PM
Melanie Hedrick
Elite Texas Properties, the best homes from McKinney to Dallas! - McKinney, TX
972-816-7205

Vickie -- like they say, you only get one chance to make a first impression.

Cheryl -- What a great tip!  If they're planning to change out the fixture anyway, they might as well!  Thanks!

Jan 22, 2011 06:05 AM