When getting ready to sell your home this year, don’t discount the importance of improving the curb appeal. The right first impression will go a long way in drawing in people who are willing to meet your price. Increasing curb appeal is just one of the ways in which a real estate agent will market your home to get you more bang for your buck.
Timing is also a huge factor in selling your home and right now is a great time for sellers to hop on the market. The Southern California real estate market will be heating up soon, so put a spring in your step and some in your home as well to prepare for your big sale. These 6 tips will increase the chances for a quick sale this spring by freshening the look and feel of your home’s exterior.
1. Get Rid of the Clutter
Anything that is detracting from the permanent elements of the home’s exterior needs to go. That includes garden gnomes, toys, and that bench you’ve been meaning to repair. Since all those things will move with you anyway, put them in storage and let the other elements of the exterior capture the eye.
2. Dress the Front Door
Your goal is to make the main entrance to the home as appealing as possible. Flank the front door with potted plants, and invest in a new welcome mat. While you are at it, a simple wreath that calls attention to the door design is worth considering. Don’t overlook the value of applying a fresh coat of paint if the door is beginning to look a little faded.
3. Weed the Flower Beds
Along with edging and manicuring the lawn, weed those flower beds. Add some pine straw or wood chips to provide a more finished look. If necessary, trim and shape the foliage to give it a clean-cut look.
Also, if you’re going to have an open house considering planting fresh flowers the morning of the brighten up your flower beds with a springy touch.
4. Addressing the Exterior Walls
Clean exterior walls go a long way in making the right impression. Have the walls power washed by a pro. If the walls are beginning to look a little worn, it is in your best interest to consider installing aluminum or vinyl siding. The siding will transform the look of the home and lend it the appearance of being well-maintained, say the professionals at Marsh Building Products.
It doesn’t hurt that siding helps to insulate the home, making it easier to heat and cool. Prospective owners will like the fact that the outside is easier to maintain, and that the power bills during the summer and winter will be more reasonable.
5. Clean those Windows
Even if everything else looks fresh and clean, dirty windows will drag down the appearance of your home. Along with cleaning the panes, you also want to spend time cleaning every part of the window frames. If you notice peeling paint during the cleaning, some touching up is in order.
6. Replace the Gutters
If your gutter system is hanging to the edge of the roof by a thread, you can rest assured that the sight will not be welcome by prospective buyers. Inferior gutters trigger worries of drainage problems and possible damage to the foundation. You’ll find that new gutters are not that hard to install, and the investment will certainly increase your odds of commanding a better price.
Remember that the time and money you invest increases the market value of the home. For more advice on how to market your home this spring and make the most of your home sale, contact a First Team agent. You can search for an agent near you online or reach out and we’ll match you with a local specialist.
This guest post was written by Anita Ginsburg. Anita is a freelance writer from Denver, CO and often writes about home, family, real estate and finance. A mother of two, she enjoys traveling with her family when she isn’t writing.
