Curb Appeal

By
Real Estate Agent with Coldwell Banker United, Realtor

Beyond having a structurally sound house with good mechanical systems, not much is more important than the curb appeal.  Why? It's simple, if buyers don't like what they see from the curb they are not getting out of the car.  I can't tell you how many times I have been out showing a houses and when we pull up to a house the buyer says, I don't need to see the inside."  The inside could have been the most stunning house my buyer would have seen the entire day. It could have been the perfect floor plan. But, because of the outside appearance the buyer pre-judged the interior.

Having a husband that is a landscape designer, curb appeal is particularly important to me. But, its also particular important to buyer.  I also know that color sells. It sell the garden club and it sell the house.  So, before listing your house clean up the lawn, spruce up the shrubs, plant seasonal color and mulch.  Wash the front door, remove the cobwebs from the porch and power wash the sidewalks.  It takes very little to create a big impact. 

Comments (3)

Kay Perry
Kay Perry, Broker - College Station, TX
Hi Mary, You're right, it takes just a little to create a big impact.  Unfortunately, some people just don't have a clue about how to 'dress up' the outside of their home and/or don't have the money to pay to have it done.  Although I think people in general are better at maintaining their yards than 20 years ago.  Curb appeal IS important.
Jan 13, 2008 02:25 PM
Connie Ragen Green
Small Business UnMarketing - Santa Barbara, CA
Online Marketing Strategist
I had a rental years ago that was right on a busy street. Potential tenants would drive up, take a look, and then burn rubber to get away. I planted a nce lawn, put in flowers, and made the curb appeal go up tremendously. It rented the following weekend. I agree with Kay - curb appeal IS important.
Jan 13, 2008 02:39 PM
Bob & Carolin Benjamin
Benjamin Realty LLC - Gold Canyon, AZ
East Phoenix Arizona Homes
Exactly - if they do not like it from the curb, they won't even get out of the car.
Jan 13, 2008 03:13 PM