Buyer first impressions are extremely important when selling your home. The National Association of Realtors found 63% of home buyers ask for a virtual or in-person viewing after seeing a home they found online. And what is the first thing they see? A view of the home from the street. Here’s how to boost curb appeal—and buyer interest!
Pretend you’re a buyer. Stand in front of your home and jot down everything buyers could criticize. Does the walkway or the driveway need fixing? How are the lawn and landscaping? What’s the condition of the home’s exterior? Curb appeal is often thought of in a literal sense, the view from the curb, but don’t neglect walking all the way around your home and making notes, because buyers will see it all. Then drive by your home from either direction, both during the day and at night, to catch anything you might have missed.
Eyeball the roof. The roof is surprisingly important and often overlooked, yet it takes up a good part of what buyers see from the curb. Replace missing shingles, have the roof cleaned if it’s streaked or dingy, or even consider replacing it. A new roof might be a hassle, but it increases buyer interest far more than offering to deduct the cost of a new roof from the sale price.
Power wash. It’s amazing what pressure-washing will do for a dirty deck, patio, siding, faded walkways, or an oil-stained driveway. Rent a power washer from a home improvement store, or hire someone for a reasonably priced boost to your home’s appeal.
Paint. Nothing looks aged like old paint. Touch up damaged, peeling paint on siding, doors, trim, and shutters.
Max out the front door. The front door is a focal point; it’s where buyer’s eyes land when they first look at your home. Spruce up the front door with paint and new hardware, or replace it altogether.
Change the numbers. New house numbers are a subtle update that can have a big impact. Make sure the style of the numbers works with the style of your home.
Plant color. Add colorful flowers (not artificial ones!) to containers, window boxes, and beds, and freshen up with contrasting dark mulch.
Open the views. Raise shades and open shutters, curtains, and blinds. Open windows look brighter, prettier, and more inviting from the street.
Add new touches. Accessories like a new mailbox, front light, and welcome mat do a lot for your home without costing an arm and a leg.
Get an outside opinion. Sometimes it’s difficult to see what’s wrong with the things we’re familiar with. Ask someone who doesn’t live in your home to tell you what ought to be fixed. This constructive feedback is a service we’re happy to provide when you choose to work with us.
Thinking of selling or buying a home? Please text, call, or email us if you’d like to find out about your best options today!
