Amp Up Curb Appeal

A property’s curb appeal naturally makes a critical first impression. “If everything within the front space is well-chosen and in perfect repair-from the mailbox and house numbers to the walkway and landscaping-buyers will think, ‘This house is obviously well-cared for, ’This message is imprinted on their brains, even if the rest of the house is actually not as well cared for. It’s very hard to change a first impression.”

While most real estate professionals advise their clients to tend to the yard work, trim the trees, and put out a new welcome mat, they may miss other opportunities to help sellers improve a home’s curb appeal. Staging and real estate professionals offer some compelling ideas for sprucing up exteriors.

1、Front door.  A front door can be a home’s focal point-but you don’t want that to be because of  its peeling paint or dinged hardware. Replacing an entryway door with a new steel door actually offers among the biggest bang for the buck at resale.

2、Windows. Wash them-inside and out-and remove the screens for added sparkle. The trend is a shift away from high-contrast green, red, or black to more monochromatic palettes that blend with the rest of the house, according to the Paint Quality Institute.

3、Garage. Depending on its orientation to the house, a garage can make a huge impact. Does the door need paint or repairs? Should it be replaced?

4、Front porch. Don’t overlook this key selling point. “It’s an iconic symbol of American living.”

5、Driveway. Is the driveway covered with cracks and oil stains? If sellers can’t afford a complete resurfacing, encourage them to look into patching up cracks using premixed concrete materials.

6、After dark. Evening curb appeal also matters. “Conceal a couple of portable outdoor lamps and aim them at the house or a beautiful tree for low-cost, high-value impact.”