Most buyers form their first impression of your home before they even get out of their cars. It’s the “curb appeal” that tells the buyer how attractive and well-maintained your home is compared to other homes in your neighborhood. In a competitive market, it takes more than trimming the hedges and planting a few flowers to create curb appeal. The exterior of your home must be in pristine condition to create a WOW factor– freshly painted, cleared of clutter, and with no visible repairs needed. A broken step, overgrown bush, or toys in the yard can spoil the appearance and, in turn, your buyer’s first impression.
Curb appeal is important because it sets the tone for what the buyer is going to see inside. If the buyer likes the exterior, they will be more inclined to also like the interior. Then, you’re that much closer to selling your home.
Now, it’s time to make an assessment of your home. To sell your home faster and at a higher price, go outside! Take a step back and stand on the curb, look at your home from the buyer’s perspective and then tackle those items that need attention.
Here’s our Hamilton Realty Group of Carolinas Connect Realty Short List to Adding the Curb Appeal WOW Factor:
Walkways/Driveways – Make sure walkways are clear of toys, hoses, weeds and debris. Repair or replace cracked steps or pavement. Park your cars in the garage.
Landscaping – Keep your lawn mowed, edged and watered. Prune dead branches and plants. Weed flower beds and replace thin landscaping with fresh plants, flowers, mulch or pine needles.
Exterior – Replace loose or damaged roof shingles, clean the gutters, and paint and caulk window trim and doors. Repaint the front door an eye-catching color that complements the rest of the exterior. Replace any broken windows or screens.
Entry – Power wash siding, brick, windows, and porches. Paint or replace furniture such as rocking chairs or porch swings. Replace mailboxes, light fixtures, door knobs or any other fixture that looks less than fresh. Put out a welcoming new door mat. Some parts of your home may require more work than others, but it is well worth it to get buyers eager to see what’s inside!
If you have any other specific questions about adding the WOW factor to your curb appeal, contact us at Carolinas Connect Realty -910.218.1300- 1427 N. Howe Street, Southport, NC.
Published in St. James Living.
