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Sellers: Curb Appeal

By
Managing Real Estate Broker

 

Even the smallest improvements on a property can have a wonderful impact on prospective buyers. These improvements can be inexpensive, affordable, but alter the property for the better. One of the most important areas such as this is THE LAWN. Through the landscaping, an owner can transform a bleak building to a desirable destination. The primary presentation of the property is one thing that should not be forgotten.

There are so  many other investments that are expensive and small in comparison to making sure the greenery is fantastic. The shrubs, lawn, and flowers are a spectacular way to beautify the building and even increase value and desirability.

The outside of a place DOES influence the valuation of the property. Before spending extensive cash on redoing the kitchen, bathroom, or other expensive embellishments, be sure to take a first long look at the lawn. Make sure the grass is healthy. Spray for flat grass broadleaf weeds as well as add a fertilizer in order to help the “healthy” grasses grow and make the yard look more FULL. Lush Grass rather than a weedy or just plan seedy yard will be highly attractive during the first impression. Keep the lawn trimmed as well as add some potted plants, hanging flowers, or planters. For under $100 and about a month of attention and TLC your hard can be one of the main attractions

Upkeep of the grounds is one of the things that condominium associations always keep up because this is one of the quickest and most affordable ways to distinguish the property from the others.  This may seem obvious as a homeowner, but keep in mind the property should be comfortable, attractive, easy to access, and stick in your memory to make a lasting impression!

 

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Show All Comments Sort:
Sally Frashuer
Exit Beach Realty - Ormond Beach, FL

I enjoyed reading about the curb appeal. If a buyer can't get past the outside care and appeal of the home they won't come through the front door.

Sep 09, 2012 06:30 PM
Bob Miller
Keller Williams Cornerstone Realty - Ocala, FL
The Ocala Dream Team

Hi Heather, we agree and we tell sellers, some buyer drive past just on curb appeal.

Oct 06, 2012 11:32 PM
Sharon Parisi
United Real Estate Dallas - Dallas, TX
Dallas Homes

Curb appeal is the most important thing a seller can do to get people in the front door. We have all had buyers who look at the front of a property and tell us to keep driving!

Oct 06, 2012 11:36 PM
Terkel Sørensen
Real Estate Places - Temecula, CA
Realtor, 951.805.0773 , Bank owned and Short Sales

Heather, this us great advise, a good looking lawn set the tone for the rest of the house. Banks rarely get this, but when homeowners let it go, i have to wonder...

Oct 06, 2012 11:37 PM
Hella Mitschke Rothwell
(831) 626-4000 - Honolulu, HI
Hawaii & California Real Estate Broker
If a place is small, make it "cute" on the outside with flowers, shutters, etc someone who is retired, for example, will want to see the inside. So with all other homes for sale. Figure out what would draw buyers inside.
Oct 07, 2012 12:47 AM
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

Homes with the nicest landscaping do make the buyers want to go inside. Dead grass? Shows the owners do not care about what the exterior looks like. Often times the interior looks just like the dead grass - bad.

Oct 07, 2012 12:58 AM
Dorte Engel
RE/MAX Leading Edge - Bowie, MD
ABC - Annapolis, Bowie, Crofton & rest of Maryland

Dear Heather,

So true. I have not gotten to my lawn yet this fall, but it is high time to do so next week, before it gets too cold.

Oct 07, 2012 01:24 AM
Andrew Ostrander
Ostrander Real Estate Group - Phoenix, AZ
Ostrander Real Estate Group

Hey Heather, I so agree with the value of curb appeal and ESPECIALLY the front yard - you only get to make a first impression of the house once.  Plus, it is usually the feature photo in our marketing.  I also think it is important that the seller "continue" to maintain the yard, which sometimes gets put on the back burner when they start mentally moving.  Have a great day!  :)

Oct 07, 2012 01:34 AM
Sylvie Stuart
Realty One Group Mountain Desert 928-600-2765 - Flagstaff, AZ
Home Buying, Home Selling and Investment - Flagsta

Curb appeal is very important when you are trying to sell your home. It's your first impression for your home. Buyers will make assumptions on what your home is like on the inside from the exterior appearance. It happens for sure in the Flagstaff real estate market.

Oct 07, 2012 01:46 AM
Tom Esposito
Alpharetta Home Solutions - Alpharetta, GA

Nice post.  I know many sellers who willingly spend thousands on upgrading a room in their house but won't or don't think to spend the $100 you mention to take those basic steps that can possibly net them thousands on the sale of their home.  Good ideas. 

Oct 07, 2012 01:57 AM
Kimo Jarrett
Cyber Properties - Huntington Beach, CA
Pro Lifestyle Solutions

All good advice especially if the homes in the neighborhood are well maintained and have excellent curb appeal. The benefit to excellent curb appeal is getting or validating the sellers asking price if the property is priced correctly, don't you agree?

Oct 07, 2012 02:31 AM
Liane Thomas, Top Listing Agent
Professional Realty Services® - Corona, CA
Bringing you Home!

It influences the appraser, too. They get either a good or bad impression before they ever walk thru the door. 

Oct 07, 2012 05:05 AM
Brad Baylor
ERA Coup Agency - Milton, PA

Heather - The lawn is important.  A couple of years ago, I was selling my own home and the previous owner had planted a type of grass that turns brown in the late fall, and stays that way until early spring.  I was so concerned that this would effect the show-ability of the home but fortunately, it sold and closed by early September, so there was no issue.

Oct 08, 2012 12:21 AM
Dana Smithers
PRES Staging Resource Centre - Vancouver, BC
PRES Staging Training, Redesign Training & Busines

Great post and I totally concur! As a home stager we know the value and impact of that first impression. And since 80+ of buyers look on the internet first that first impression needs to be WOW from the outside in!  I have written an ebook Creating Curb Appeal That SELLS! and I would be happy to share it with anyone reading this post. Go to my facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PRESstaging and do a post asking for this ebook and I'll email it to  you so leave your email address!

Oct 10, 2012 05:46 AM
Wayne B. Pruner
Oregon First - Tigard, OR
Tigard Oregon Homes for Sale, Realtor, GRI

Great curb appeal is so important and this is where you get the most bang for your buck.

Nov 09, 2012 01:30 PM