Curb appeal is that magic component when a buyer or anyone views your home and says to themselves that is cute, gorgeous, lovely or words similar. It is what that first impression generates in their mind and everything else flows from there. If it is a positive vibe then they will be more positive about the house, but, if it is negative then they generally will be looking for things to confirm that first impression.
However, good curb appeal can add thousands to the value of your home and Spring is the perfect time to refresh a home's exterior.
For example, I was showing a home to buyers and as we walked up to the front door we could all see the flower beds were filled with weeds and the mulch was old and decaying. As we entered the house, the buyers saw how dirty the wainscoting was and turned on their heels and walked out saying this house is not for us. It gave them a impression that the house was uncared for and most likely had more serious issues.
Strong curb appeal also helps a home to sell faster as it is attractive to more buyers, especially in this low inventory market we seem to be stuck in right now.
As mentioned above in my example from the negative viewpoint, good curb appeal implies the home is well cared for and that overall maintenance has been carried out.
How to Boost Curb Appeal this Spring
1. Refresh Landscaping, trim bushes making sure they are not touching the house, edge the lawn and plant some brightly colored seasonal flowers. Add fresh mulch to the flower beds and make sure you weed before doing this so those pesky weeds don't just grow through the mulch.
2. Update the Front Door and Entryway, paint your front door a bold and inviting color. You can look online for suggestions. Make sure your house numbers are clearly displayed and look fresh and clean. Add new door hardware so it is all fresh and clean, and make sure your lighting is bright. There is nothing more difficult than trying to open a door using a lockbox and not being able to see what you are doing or where the key goes. Add a fresh new welcome mat, and some potted plants to provide a colorful welcome area.
3. Power Wash and Clean Exterior Surfaces, wash siding, brick walkways and driveways, especially after this hard winter where salt has coated everything in site. Give your windows a good clean inside and out so they sparkle. This also lets more natural light into the house.
4. Improve Outdoor Lighting, there are so many good solar options for walkway lights today, install new lights for safety and adding a pleasant ambience. Upgrade porch and garage lighting so they match and make sure your house numbers are visible and lit at night.
5. Repair and Refresh Exterior Finishes, repair any damage and repaint any peeling paint on trim and shutters. Repair any cracked walkways, fences and gutters. You do not want anyone tripping on their way to your front door.
Final touches and Seasonal Accents
Add a new mailbox to bring style to your curb appeal, and maybe some new outdoor furniture for charm if you have a porch. It may be that some new cushions are all you need.
For a seasonal touch maybe a spring themed wreath for the front door and as mentioned above some freshly planted flowers around the door with seasonal flowers.
In conclusion, making these changes will help you sell your home for more money and faster and most likely you will enjoy your home more as you appreciate the new touches to the exterior.
Start small, maybe with some seasonal plants or a wreath for the front door, and plan your projects so you are not overwhelmed all at once.
If you need some advice on getting your home sold this Spring, contact Nick Vandekar, Selling the Main Line and Chester County, with Realty ONE Group Advocates, office 484-237-2055, cell or text 610-203-4543, or email Nick@VandekarTeam.com.
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