Curb Appeal Matters

You have only one chance to make a first impression. And the first impression is usually a lasting one. If your home doesn’t look good from the outside, buyers are going to believe it is not well maintained and the inside doesn’t look good either. They will not click on your online listing to see the interior photos or they’ll just drive away. 1. Clear the clutter

• Keep grass mowed and edges trimmed regularly
• Remove and replace any dead or dying shrubs
• Consider removing or trimming any excess large trees or shrubs, especially those blocking the windows
• Weed yard and garden
• Remove plant debris
• Remove and store garden equipment, kids’ toys, etc
• Hide trash cans out of view
• Keep driveway clear of extra cars during showings. (park down the street)
• Remove excess clutter from garage and neaten it up
• Wrap up your hose or hide it altogether in a hose storage pot or wheel
• Remove excess furnishings from front porches, decks and patios to create spaciousness

2. Clean

• Remove mildew and cobwebs from eaves and lighting fixtures
• Power wash any mildew off house, walkway, front door area, patio/deck, awnings, and driveway
• Clean windows, front door glass, outdoor lights
• Clean garage floor
• Clean pool, hot tub, or any other water features
• In fall, rake the leafs

3. Repair

• Paint exterior if needed
• Re-paint trim
• Paint or stain the deck
• Repair or repaint front door
• Polish door fixtures, numbers, mailbox, light fixtures
• Remove or replace unattractive awnings
• Replace burned out bulbs
• Repair or replace broken garage or shed doors
• Align downspouts with gutters
• Repair cracks in foundation, sidewalks
• Repair or replace broken deck or fence slats
• Repair or replace any other broken or worn items

4. Small changes that that bring the “WOW” factor

Paint the front door a contrasting color to the house such as red, black, etc. This is one place where it’s OK to use a bright color when selling your home.

Paint the garage door

Update mailbox, house numbers and front door lighting fixtures

If you have a porch consider adding a bench or chairs and a small table

Add or replace doormat

Update lighting fixtures on walkways, pool area, patios, decks

Update the planters

Add color using pots with flowers

Plant flowers in the front and back yards – flowers do wonders!

Add fresh mulch to the flower and shrub beds to provide contrast and a neat look

Add shutters or window flower boxes to accent windows