Curb Appeal
First impressions are so important because you only get once change. Therefore, you must make your house stand out among the rest. The first thing that potential buyers see is the front outside of your house. This is called curb appeal, and it can make or break your sale. Below is a checklist of things to do to make your home the best and most appealing it can be.
* Powerwash the outside of the house. If you have loose, Peeling, cracking paint, you’ll need to have the place painted.
* Powerwash the windows outside and clean them on the inside. Be sure to remove debris and cobwebs—these will make windows look dull.
* Clean out gutters and replace if they’re rusty, bent or look old and in disrepair.
*Rake up leaves and dead vegetation and dispose of it.
* Keep the lawn mowed throughout the sales process. Make sure sidewalks and walkways are edged neatly.
* Get rid of weeds growing up through the driveway or sidewalks.
* Trim trees so that no limbs are touching the roof.
* Affix or replace loose roof shingles or tiles.
* Make sure all yard tools and toys are stowed away. Roll up that hose neatly.
* Put bikes, skateboards, and scooters in the garage.
* If you have a basketball hoop, replace the net if it’s torn, dingy or worn.
* Trim back unruly, unkempt bushes. Remove them altogether if they look scraggly and dry.
* Keep the walkway to the house, the driveway and sidewalk in front of the house swept.
* Plant bright-colored flowers and keep them watered and looking beautiful.
* Place a planter with colorful flowers at the entryway.
* Give your front door a fresh coat of paint or replace it.
* Replace the door’s hardware and knob if it is not operating properly.
* Paint or stain your wood fences and repair any broken fencing.
* Keep garbage barrels out of sight.
Curb appeal extends to the sides and back of your house as well:
* Set up attractive, comfortable-looking sitting areas in the back yard. You can stage the outside of the house as well as the inside.
* If you have a dog, be sure to use the pooper scooper on a daily basis. If your dog’s a barker, keep it inside rather than let it stand outside chasing potential buyers away.
*l Keep all backyard toys and tools put away and the hose rolled up.