I absolutely love gardening. I love being in the warm sun, getting my hands dirty, and literally getting to reap what I sewed (I mostly grow herbs and strawberries).
Let me tell you what I hate though: yard work. I do not like mowing, edging, trimming, removing rocks from the driveway that my son threw…all the things that really make “curb appeal” appealing. First impressions are everything in home selling, and the exterior of your home is the first thing a potential buyer will see. In fact, according to the National Association of Realtors, 63% of homebuyers will drive by a home they liked after viewing it online. So, before they ever schedule a showing or walk through the home, they are driving by to see what they think.
What they see when they drive by (or come for a scheduled showing) should serve as a snapshot of what’s to come when they enter your home. The curb appeal of your home may make or break a potential sale. Here are a few tips to help your spruce up your curb appeal:
Get a Second Opinion
You’ve heard of being ‘nose blind’, right? Well homeowners often get ‘flaw blind’, too. We get used to certain defects –chipped paint on the front door from the keys banging against it, cobwebs on the porch ceiling, cracked or stained steps, etc.. It may need a new set of eyes to help you prioritize what needs to be fixed and cleaned up. Personally, I call my mom because she always has an opinion and easily finds flaws. 😊
Sparkling and Shiny Number
If your house numbers aren’t easy to see or if they’re dirty and dingy, replacing them can actually make a difference! Take into consideration the style of your house if you buy new hardware and create a balanced or distinct effect with the new house numbers. While you’re at it, look at all your hardware; does the overhead light fixture or handle need to be updated?
Pressure Clean
Pressure-washing the dirty siding and porch, as well as the oil-stained driveway and faded walkways is a wonderful and cost-efficient way to increase your home’s curb appeal. If you don’t own a pressure washer, you can rent one from your local home improvement store for the day. I also love to sing Under Pressure by Queen while I’m pressure washing!
Add Some Color
To get an instant ‘lift’, add colorful flowers to your porch containers, window boxes and front beds. If you don’t have any of those, get some! Never plant artificial flowers – if real flowers aren’t your thing, a few inches of dark mulch will brighten up the beds without screaming “fake.” Painting the front door, trim, and shutters is a great way to polish the look of your home. Also, purchase a cheery new welcome mat; you can find inexpensive mats at TJ Maxx, Rainbow, etc..
Do the Yucky Yard Work
The grass needs to be healthy and green, freshly mowed, and edged. This chore should be done a minimum of once a week. Hedge your bushes, remove weeds, and put those rocks back where they belong. If you don’t like yard work or don’t have the time, hire a lawn maintenance company while your home is on the market. It’s an investment that is well worth it. Remember, first impressions are everything. If they see you don’t take care of your front lawn, they may infer the same is true of your entire home.
Have fun preparing your home’s exterior! Take music with you, make it a contest with your kids (or partner), but most importantly do it! Let me know if you have any questions or would like my expertise on any of the above items.
Ready to Sell your home? Call or message me!
Arynne
PS: Not sure if you’re quite ready to move to your next home just yet? No problem. The sooner you start learning the ins and outs of this process, the better. Click here to book a real estate possibility call with me today.
