Curb Appeal
The Importance of Curb Appeal When Staging your Home to Sell
Every little detail makes a huge difference to potential buyers—both inside and outside. Your home could be spotless perfection inside, but if your curb appeal does not speak volumes from the moment a buyer has laid eyes on your home, you have botched your first impression.
Curb appeal—the allure of your property when it is viewed from the street—needs to be impressive and attractive from the moment someone sets eyes on it. Prior to having exterior photos of your home taken to be put on the MLS, consider these tips to create the best first impression to get buyers in the door and towards a sale!
The Importance of a Mailbox
Have you considered the importance of your mailbox? At the bare minimum it needs to be standing straight and sturdy, look clean, and be in good condition. The mailbox is the first thing a potential buyer will see from the road, so making sure yours is appealing will count. Consider dressing up the area with landscaping, investing in a sturdier structure, or just ensuring your current mailbox is cleaned and ready to go.
This mailbox needs to be straightened and a coat of paint.
This mailbox needs to be power washed and repainted.
House Numbers
Are your house numbers visible from the street? Can anyone driving by intuitively know which home is yours or are you constantly searching for the numbers? There are many options out there for house numbers—do you research and make sure the ones you choose are bold, legible, and clearly visible.
Simple, clean, easy to read house numbers.
Can you see the house number?
Driveway & Sidewalks
Take time to thoroughly go over your driveway and sidewalk areas. How are the materials? If you have noticeable cracks in the concrete, it may be worth getting them repaired. While cracks are natural and happen over time, they tend to dull a first impression before anyone even reaches the front door. Do not let people concentrate on minor flaws before they really see what you have to offer!
Cracks in the driveway should be fixed before a house is put on the market.
How is the exterior of your property holding up?
It is important to take time and examine your property from an unbiased point of view. Walk around and make note of all the major components, such as the garage, trim, gutters, and exterior of your home.
Is the garage door clean and functional?
Is the trim in good condition with little to no defects?
Have you made sure the gutters are clean and clear of debris?
Have you taken the time to power wash along the driveway and sidewalk?
Does your front door, porch, or deck need a new coat of paint?
Does all the exterior lighting work on your home?
Are screens torn or needing to be replaced?
Have you noticed pests, such as wasp nests, that need to be removed?
While these tasks may seem trivial, they are all part of the tiny details that create the inviting atmosphere you are looking to accomplish when selling your home. These are all maintenance items that buyers want to see sellers keeping up with because it means they appreciate their home and take care of both the mechanics and the aesthetics of the property.
Dents is the garage door should be fixed. The buyer will question how the owners have taken care of the house the minute they get out of the car.
Needs to be painted before a potential buyer looks at the house.
Debris, leaves and branches need to be cleared out of gutters.
Now, what about the landscaping?
Overgrown landscaping, weed growth, and unkempt plant life can create a rather dreary appearance for potential buyers. It is important that the cleanliness of your landscaping reflect the cleanliness of the inside of your home.
Look from the street.
Take in the big picture. Are you creating the view you would want to see? Take note of overgrown shrubs, weeds, and plants that may need to be removed. Consider whether your landscaping enhances your home or not.
Freshen up the property.
There is nothing like a fresh layer of mulch and new, seasonal plants to spruce up the exterior of a home! Add plants, shrubs, and flowers to create a homey ambiance. If your landscaping is not working for you anymore, chances are it will not impress a buyer.
When it doubt, keep it simple.
All you need are a few good perennials that are easy to maintain and a fresh layer of mulch to make your home look instantly maintained. Simple landscaping allows buyers to envision the property with their own home ideas, so keep your clean-up low-key and uncomplicated.
When in doubt, consult a professional!
Home Staging and More can help walk you through creating the perfect curb appeal to sell your home! Transform your exterior property with a few minor alterations and notice the hype your home will get when it hits the MLS. If you are lost and want to make sure your home sells fast, take advantage of our professional services.
Get a consultation today for your Jacksonville or Vero Beach property by calling us at (904) 303-0306.