First impressions count! Buyers often do a “drive by” viewing prior to calling their agent to tour the home. By creating inviting curb appeal, you can ensure that your home makes the cut. Here’s what to do:
A beautiful lawn
Obviously a well maintained yard is key. Make sure the grass is neatly cut, trim the trees and shrubs, lay down new mulch. Plant a few flowers in key areas to create some color. Simple is better.
Attract them inside
A front door can be a home’s focal point. Painting or refinishing your door can add new life. Replace the hardware to a modern finish like nickel or bronze. If your door is beyond repair, consider replacing it with a new steel door. At around $1,200, this repair offers one of the biggest bank for the buck at resale (an average of 73 percent of the cost may be recouped, according to Remodeling magazine’s 2011–2012 Cost vs. Value Report http://goo.gl/zJ7lA, which analyzed 35 remodeling projects’ payback potential).
Windows that sparkle
Wash the windows – inside and out. Remove the screens for added shine and beauty. Consider a new color for the shutters. The trend is a monochromatic palette that blends with the rest of the house according to the Paint Quality Institute.
Garage door
The garage door of most homes is oriented towards the front of the home. Consider repainting or repairing if needed and replacing if paint and repairs are not enough. A new steel garage door can cost about $1,500, but sellers, in average, recoup nearly 72 percent of that investment at resale, according to the Cost vs. Value Report.
The appeal of a welcoming porch
We’ve all seen homes with a front porch that just begged you to come and sit a while. Stage your front porch with as much care as you would any other room. A pair of rocking chairs, a porch swing or even an outdoor living suite can add the appeal your looking for. Don’t forget to include a coffee table or side table for writing up contracts!
After dark
In the fall and winter, dusk comes pretty early. For evening showings, a well lit entrance and landscape lighting can do wonders. Add seasonal staked outdoor flood lighting to illuminate trees, shrubs or the exterior of the home. Have outdoor lights on a timer so that they are always on at the right time. If wired lights isn’t an option, consider using portable solar lighting to light a path the door.