Five Tips For Maximizing Curb Appeal
/They say first impressions are everything. This is even true when selling your home. So, if you’re getting ready to sell your home in the near future or even if you just want to make your house pop from the street, here are five tips to maximize the look of your home.
1. Clean Out Your Garden Beds
Clean out all the debris, weeds and dead plants from your garden bed. Trim and shape the plants that are there and even add flowers for pops of color as needed. Make the perimeters of the beds nice and sharp. Then add a dark mulch to all the beds. It contrasts very nicely with the greens of the plants and really makes the garden sing.
2. Take Care of the Lawn
Start fertilizing your lawn regularly. At the end of winter, give it a good rake to clean out all the winter debris. Keep it mowed and edged consistently and water it sufficiently. A dead or half dead yard raises questions about the effectiveness of your sprinkling system to buyers. And speaking of sprinkling systems, if yours needs repairs, make the repairs.
3. Clean Your House Sidewalks & Driveway
Take the time to power wash your house to get rid of old grime and cobwebs. Do the same for the driveway and sidewalks. And while you’re at it, clean out the rain gutters too. If you don’t have access to a power washer, sweep all the cobwebs and dirt from the surfaces as best you can. And kill any weeds growing out of cracks in the driveway or sidewalks.
4. Touch Up Paint
If the paint on your house is peeling or faded - touch it up. Nothing says “neglect” like peeling paint. Peeling paint can also affect an appraisal on an FHA loan. Taking the time to paint that trim and even the front door shows people as they drive up that yours is a well cared for home.
5. Stage Your Front Porch
All homes have different front porches. Some are made for sitting on watching the world go by. Others are just a landing pad welcoming you home. Whichever you have, take the time to stage it to maximize its functionality. If it’s a wide hang-out porch decorate it with appropriate furniture to make it an inviting space. If it’s just there to welcome guests, clear off debris and clutter and make it functional. Adding a decorative wreath to you door and flowering pots to the sides of the door or steps are a great way to beautify a porch. Also, make sure your porch light is working for those later evening showings.
These are a few ideas for making your home pop from the moment it’s seen. Give me a call to discuss in greater detail or to get your home sale process started. And let me know if you know anyone that needs help as well.