02/10/2014
More Tips for Selling Your Home
Don’t Overlook Exterior When Preparing to Sell
The message: “Start from the top and work down”. Today, here are some tips for preparing your home to sell, this time:
“Start from the outside and work in”. First impressions are lasting impressions, and what buyers see when they first drive up is important. Many sellers focus on the interior, and forget to do an exterior check.
It’s Called ”Curb Appeal” For a Reason
Obviously, the exterior is the first thing buyers will see of your home, and they will immediately judge it (fairly or not) based upon how it looks from the outside. Sometimes it’s hard to see things you live with every day. And, if you usually enter through the garage, you might not even notice.
Drive up to your home and take a tour as if you’re a buyer – bring a clipboard and take notes.
Entryway. Your entryway is your welcome mat – make it… welcoming! Check the landscaping - clean up the lawn, plant bushes and flowers to add color. Grass continues to grow in the fall and winter here – keep it trimmed. Keep the entrance well-lit and clean – check your house numbers for touch-up or replacement. Does your front door need to be re-painted or replaced? Replace dinged or damaged handles.
Porch. If you have a porch – look at the steps and landing. Paint the porch, steps, or anything else that needs to be touched up. Check the areas around door k***s and doorbell plates for fingerprints or smudges – clean those up or touch up with paint. Look up at the overhang - clean away dust and cobwebs on the ceiling. Repaint with lighter colors to brighten the entrance.
De-personalize and de-clutter.
You've heard this a thousand times about the interior, but it also applies to your exterior. Remember, you want to appeal to a broader audience, not show off your unique wooden statues – put them in storage. De-clutter the porch - pack up all those tchotchkes and knickknacks, and take down those holiday lights! Don’t leave tools, hoses, or any pet clutter sitting around in the yard or entryway.
Side Yards.. Walk around the house - unless you spend a lot of time outdoors, you might not notice the sides of your home. Cut away any overgrown brush touching the siding. Clean out any debris or dead plants – touch up or repaint the siding if it needs it.
Exterior Lights. Most showings will be during the day, but some daylight will fade in late afternoon. Burned out porch or security lights will suggest poor maintenance. Replace burned out bulbs with higher wattage, if possible.
Get an Expert. Want an expert opinion on your home’s curb appeal? Call Faris ’ll give you a free estimate and help you sell your home for top dollar!
