Establishing curb appeal is a crucial step in getting your property ready for the market. In my previous blog, ‘How To Stage Your House To Sell,’ I’ve expressed the importance of creating an attractive and welcoming interior environment; this blog will focus on the art of staging your outdoor space in a way that will create the best first impression possible. The exterior of your property is the first thing that potential buyers notice, and this experience can make or break a sale. Oftentimes, within a minute of arriving at a property, buyers are able to determine whether or not they are interested in investigating the property further. In the following post, I’ll share with you some great tips and tricks regarding how to maximize your curb appeal to sell quickly and help you to increase the value of your listing.
Sharon Knowles, Arrange the Change
The initial reaction to a property plays a significant role in the buyer’s decision making process. Upon arrival, people will analyze all aspects of the exterior environment; the yard, driveway, sidewalk, the house itself and the surrounding area are all major factors that help someone determine if this is the property for them. Even as they pull up to the house, they will likely already be scanning for any flaws or imperfections. Minor details that the current owners may have become used to or not even notice can make a client wonder, “What else needs fixing?” and “What problems don’t I see?” This avoidable doubt can put your property at an immediate disadvantage, when you really want their first thought to be, “Wow, I can’t wait to see inside!” Remember that every little element can either lower or boost your listing’s value.
Sharon Knowles, Arrange the Change
A great place to start enhancing your property’s curb appeal is to fix up any surrounding landscaping and grass areas. By simply having a freshly mowed lawn, free of weeds or dead patches, you portray the message that general upkeep is an easy and doable task. One way to give the property a clean new look is by filling in any surrounding landscaped portions of the property with new mulch or stones. When dealing with bushes or shrubbery, you’ll want to make sure they’re trimmed and well-kept. Fallen leaves or branches should be cleaned up and disposed of prior to any house tours or promotional measures such as photographs, livestreams, and videos are publicized. The addition of a plant or flowers can add a welcoming splash of color to the property. However, it’s best to keep in mind that not everyone is born with a green thumb, so low maintenance plants can look great while not deterring potential buyers from the responsibility. Another option would be to use potted planters which hold little to no commitment at all. Lawn care can be a lot of work but if you need help, landscaping companies are pretty prevalent and shouldn’t be too hard to find.
Driveways and sidewalks are another area that will likely need your attention. Do an examination of these areas to determine if there are structural flaws such as cracks that must be filled or unevenness that should be addressed. If you have an unpaved driveway, adding more gravel can benefit the look and cross something off of a buyer’s to-do list. Pressure washing your sidewalk, fencing, or even the side of your house can make a huge difference and be a satisfying process to watch as you uncover the original color of these areas, free of built up dirt or staining. Once that step is completed, you’ll have the opportunity to touch up any chipped paint. This measure is crucial and should be applied to the house, garage, and even mailbox as well as anything else you see fit. Another great tip is to add new light fixtures; these are usually easy to install, stylistically appealing, functional, and make your home more welcoming. If your house already has awesome lighting features, just be sure to clean off any dirt or bugs that might build up, as many homeowners tend to neglect them.
If you’re working with a property that has a porch or space for outside seating, the incorporation of outdoor furniture can send a positive message to buyers. Even a small area has the opportunity to make a statement. This is the first chance that buyers have to imagine themselves in your space. Hanging a porch swing creates a friendly and whimsical aspect to the property, and other seating can further develop the image of a social neighborhood environment. Aside from advancing your exterior aesthetic, this is also a great place for potential buyers to sit and ponder their decision after a walkthrough of the house.
What other techniques can you implement to improve your property’s curb appeal? Are you a DIY stager, or do you find it more effective to outsource these services? Let me know by leaving a comment and any extra tips that you may have. If you have any questions regarding this topic, reach out to me through the comment section or by contacting me directly through my social media accounts or my email so that I may address your concerns in future blog posts. Like this post if you found it to be helpful and be sure to share it with your friends and followers so that we can continue to expand our community. Don’t forget to subscribe to my “Media Promotion Within Real Estate, A ‘How To’ Blog” if you’d like to learn more about how to get your property ready for the market as well as how to promote your property online and so much more.
Resources:
BE MARKET READY! (n.d.). Retrieved January 04, 2021, from http://arrangethechange.com/
Bible September 6, A. (2019, October 17). 40 Simple Tricks for Boosting Your Home’s Curb Appeal. Retrieved January 04, 2021, from https://bestlifeonline.com/curb-appeal/
Ellis, D. (n.d.). The Importance of First Impressions in Real Estate. Retrieved January 04, 2021, from https://www.streetdirectory.com/travel_guide/72940/real_estate/the_importance_of_first_impressions_in_real_estate.html
Gibson, R. (2020, June 13). 10 Easy Curb Appeal Tips You Can Do On Your Own. Retrieved January 04, 2021, from https://www.lifestorage.com/blog/moving/diy-curb-appeal-tips-increase-buyer-appeal/