Curb Appeal!

We've talked about some general tips to get the interior of your home cleaned up and in selling condition. But the first thing that buyers see, either by driving by or viewing general website pictures, is the exterior of your property. By making that first impression a positive one, prospective buyers are more likely to enter your home. We touched on some basic tips in our previous post --- clean up the yard, rake the leaves, check out the landscaping. But here are some more detailed thoughts about improving the look of your home at first glance.

Curb Appeal Tips for Sellers

Are you stuck for curb appeal ideas? Start by walking across the street from your house. Now that you can see your entire front yard, you can see what everyone else sees as they drive by.

Curb appeal starts at the curb. If all you've got is a mail box, think about spicing it up with some shrubbery.

A little light at the end of the driveway can give a welcoming feeling, too. That's what curb appeal is all about. Not sure? Try checking in the evening. A welcoming home is bright and cheerful even at night.

Now, walking up to your house using the driveway, how does the entry look? Can you see the front door from the curb or from the driveway? Do you have a sidewalk to the front door? Consider adding lights that line your walkway. They are both decorative and functional, and guests will have an easy time finding the front door with the right lighting.

If the front door is easily overlooked, this is another great place to increase your curb appeal.

Make your entry area stand out a little. Here are some quick ideas:

• Paint the front door a bright or contrasting color. Make sure it is tasteful. You don't want to be known as the "house with the purple door". Most buyers want something neutral.
• Plant colorful shrubs on either side of the front door.
• Check that porch light. Is it outdated? Replacements are an inexpensive investment.
• If you have a mailbox at the front door, make sure that it looks updated.
• If you have your street numbers on your home, make sure that they are easily visible and match the look you've created with updated lights and the mailbox.
• If you do have a walkway to the front door, make sure that it is in good repair with no cracks, weeds or roots showing.
• One landscaping idea for the front door -- urns. Large urns overflowing with flowers instantly grab your attention. The color in the vases will pull your gaze to the door area. If you have them on either side, it easily creates a grand entry feel. Placing urns at the front entry is also a great way to still be able to plant annuals in the spring without having to invest a lot of time.

TIP
In cold weather climates, a smart investment is to buy urns that can stay out all winter. Think metal, stone, or concrete.

If you have shrubbery in the front yard, or lining the house, make sure that they are trimmed and not growing out of control. If you have flower beds in front, make sure that they are weeded and look well-cared for. A nice layer of mulch, even during cold weather, always gives a cleaner and more polished look to your landscaping.

Don't forget the structure itself! If your house has peeling paint or safety issues in the front, those really should be addressed. A sidewalk that might trip guests or a hand rail that moves needs to be fixed right away. If you have shutters, make sure that they are not loose and look new or freshly painted. Check gutters and downspouts to make sure that they look sound.

All of these items are a part of the first impression of your home. If you're putting your house up for sale, curb appeal can increase the value of your home and help it sell more quickly. If you're really stuck on how to improve things, check with your real estate agent or hire a landscape designer for a consultation.

In this competitive market, making sure that the outside and the inside of your home look as new and udpated as possible will really improve your selling chances.

Get an edge on the competition!

Your house can make a great impression -- and it starts at the curb.