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Selling Myths: Curb Appeal Doesn't Matter

By
Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty - Denver Southlands

 

Do you ever think that curb appeal doesn't matter?  Do you feel like once buyers get into your house, curb appeal won't matter?

The truth is that some buyers may not even get into your home if the outside does not appeal to them.  Buyers and agents will sometimes drive by a house deciding if the house is worth their time to see the inside.  Your home's exterior must make a good first impression so buyers are compelled to stop and come inside.

The most important things to do are to keep the lawn mowed, shrubs and trees trimmed, gardens weeded and edged, and clutter put away.  Anything additional is staging which takes your exterior to the next level.  A beautiful potted plant, a cozy chair to enjoy a cup of coffee, and a colorful doormat all make that extra statement that tells someone coming to the door that this house is well cared for and beautiful inside!  You want to create a feeling starting from the moment the potential buyers drive up to your house, that draws them in, makes them want to see more, and helps them picture themselves living in the home!

Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

The number 1 truth is a buyer drives by the home, within seconds what they see triggers something to make them keep driving and never look back to want to get inside to see it. Great post

May 23, 2011 02:16 AM
Steven Pahl
Keller Williams Tampa Properties - Tampa, FL
Real Estate Consultant Tampa, FL 813-319-6423

Yep, in buyers minds it's " If they don't keep up with the outside of the home what else is wrong, and even if we like it we will offer less based on the condition!"

May 23, 2011 02:17 AM
Sheila Anderson
Referral Group Incorporated - East Brunswick, NJ
The Real Estate Whisperer Who Listens 732-715-1133

I agree Karin, right to the point and well articulated.

May 23, 2011 02:17 AM
Joe Lane Richland
Kennewick Richland (and West) Pasco WA Homes For Sale - Richland, WA
WA Realtor, 509.438.9344 www.LaneRealEstateTeam.com

"The truth is that some buyers may not even get into your home if the outside does not appeal to them."

We have learned this one the hard way.  We've always recommended to our clients to make sure their curb appeal is right on the money.  Well, when listing our own home, we neglected this thinking folks will want to buy our home anyway because we live on the river.  Bad move by us.  We are not redoing our front yard!

May 23, 2011 02:17 AM
Rhonda Abbott
Howard Hanna - Wadsworth, OH
Wadsworth & Greater Akron, OH

So very true!  I had a listing where the buyer had the showing appointment all set up, but refused to go inside because he "didn't like the yard".  What's not to like?  There were a few weeds in the flowerbed, but come on!  It happens - better to have things looking great, just in case the buyer is finicky!

May 23, 2011 02:19 AM
Robin Dampier REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker King - Hendersonville, NC
Hendersonville & Western NC Real Estate Source

Indeed curb appeal is important when selling your property.  If the outside isn't appealing buyers fear what the inside will look at.  Plus, if they do make it inside they will be more critical in looking at things.

Sue of Robin and Sue

May 23, 2011 02:22 AM
Karin Lundeen
Keller Williams Realty - Denver Southlands - Centennial, CO
Realtor Centennial Homes For Sale

Scott~ You want buyers to put on the brakes and want to get in the house!

Dteven~  I know when I go door knocking I can tell from the front step if it is a well maintained home!

May 23, 2011 02:28 AM
Karin Lundeen
Keller Williams Realty - Denver Southlands - Centennial, CO
Realtor Centennial Homes For Sale

Sheila~  Thanks for your input!

Joe~ Is that kinda like Doctors make the worst patients, when we don't take our own advice!

 

May 23, 2011 02:29 AM
Karin Lundeen
Keller Williams Realty - Denver Southlands - Centennial, CO
Realtor Centennial Homes For Sale

Rhonda~  The finicky ones are the hardest tp please... but come on... a few weeds?  For cryin' out loud!

Sue~ We don't want them to focus on the small negatives, rather take some of those small objections out of the way and see all the positives!

May 23, 2011 02:31 AM
Robert Vegas Bob Swetz
Las Vegas, NV

Hello Karin and YES curb appeal does matter ...

VB ;o)

May 23, 2011 03:11 AM