They say you never get a second chance to make a good first impression and that certainly rings true in real estate. There is nothing like crummy curb appeal to turn off a buyer and make a bad – and lasting – first impression of your house.
A bad first impression could have your home sitting on the market longer, taking price cuts and getting a bad rap on the real estate market as a dud. If you plan to sell your home, it’s important to make a plan and prepare yourself and your home before you list so that everything goes smoothly the first time around.
Here are four steps to help you add a little “oomph” to the exterior of your house so you don’t blow it right out the gate with potentials buyers.
1. Maintain that front door
There’s nothing quite as dreary as a shabby door, so give that front door a fresh coat of paint. While you’re at it, explore the idea of changing the color of your door to liven things up.
If your front door is made of varnished wood, you will be glad to know that fixing and reviving the woodwork on that door is a fairly easy project. A little sanding and some varnish will give that door the charm and dignity it deserves.
A final word about your front door: fixtures on your front door should look well-maintained. Buy a new doorknob or at least make the old one shine like new. If your door has a knocker or house numbers, make sure these are well-polished.
2. Maximize window appeal
If your windows have shutters and trim, make sure these are in good shape. Repaint old trim and replace shutters if necessary.
If you have awning windows or casement windows that need replacing, go ahead and get this done. Casement and awning windows come in a wide variety of styles and designs, from traditional to contemporary. The right window will enhance your home’s curb appeal immeasurably. All you need to do is find a reliable company like Gilkey Windows to give you good advice about the type of window replacement that will work best for your home.
3. Take care of those gutters and downspouts
As the seasons come and go, those gutters and downspouts tend to become misaligned, and it is not unusual for their paint to peel or for rust spots to develop. Gutters and downspouts speak loudly about the state of neglect of any house. If you want the front of your house to make a good first impression, it is essential for you to get them fixed.
Sagging gutters need to be attended to pronto! Check the integrity of the parts that fasten the gutters to the rest of the assembly. These may have moved back from the wood, or they might have been spaced too far apart to bear the weight of the gutters when these are full of water or debris.
4. Beautify your driveway
There are countless ways to beautify that driveway. You can plant a border to better define it, or install lights to give it a friendly and inviting look. If your driveway is made of brick or pavers, replace any missing pieces. If you have a solid surface driveway, remove any stains that may have accumulated. Repave or reseal if necessary.
Curb appeal is not only good for a great first impression: it is one of the most “doable” ways to increase the value of your property. Statistics show that outdoor projects, such as replacing front doors or windows, can yield as much as 72% in terms of return on investment!
For more tips on how to make a good first impression on the real estate market and make your home sale as straightforward as possible, work with a real estate agent. A First Team agent can sit down with you and lay out a business plan to get your home sold, on your timeline – all you have to do is reach out and ask. Find an agent online or reach out and we’ll match you with a top agent in your area.
Email us at clientservices@firstteam.com
Call us at 888-870-1142
This guest post is written by Anica Oaks, a professional content and copywriter who graduated from the University of San Francisco. She loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related. She was raised in a big family, so she’s used to putting things to a vote. Also, cartwheels are her specialty. You can connect with Anica here.
