On multiple occasions while showing homes, I have had buyers stop me before I can even park the car and say, “This isn’t it, let’s move onto the next one.” So, why is it that properties that buyers were so excited to see online don’t even get a once over? It comes down to one thing, and one thing alone: curb appeal. Although a perfectly staged interior packs a large punch, the exterior of a home can be likened to your first impression– hard to overcome if you flub it. Fortunately, most exterior projects are relatively easy to tackle on a weekend with a bit of grit and elbow grease. Here is a list of a handful of items that can get you moving in the right direction:
- Power wash the home’s exterior and any stained concrete
- Parse down any overgrown landscaping- Shrubs and bushes should help to highlight the home’s exterior, not take away from it
- Keep your grass freshly cut- this is most important right before photos
- Replace any rotted siding, and paint any chipped siding, pillars, or railings
- Add quaint outdoor furniture to help highlight your front porch space if you have one
- Well maintained flowers or potted plants will always help to improve curb appeal
Last but not least, don’t forget to call your agent for any additional recommendations that are specific to your home. Some projects may not get your the return on investment that you think it will, and consulting with a professional is always the safest bet!
