Curb
appeal is what makes a potential buyer want to see inside.
The outside of your home should make the first sales pitch for you.
Here
are some suggestions and tips to prepare the exterior of your home before
you place it on the market.
-If you have any
bare spaces outdoors or on an unused upper or lower deck, group two
chairs, a small table, and a plant to make it look like livable space.
- If mold or pollen
deposits have crept their way onto your exterior walls, spray with a
half-bleach/half water solution (test a small area first).
-Does your home
need a new paint job? Now is the time to touch up or repaint.
-You may be able
to replace and repaint one or two worn boards rather than tearing out
an entire section, either on walls or on a fence.
- Get rid of all
landscape or potted plants and foliage that are dying or sickly. Replace
with colorful vegetation - bright flowers make a home look cheerful.
- Purchase a welcome
mat that has subtle patterns; avoid any wording.
-Make sure your
front door is free of dirt. Does it need to be repainted? Better yet,
you may want to consider purchasing a new door. This is probably the
first part of the house a potential buyer will be in contact with.
-Is the door handle
shiny and new-looking or does it show wear from too many hands? Do the
door keys work smoothly without jiggling? Replacement is easy.
-Other than nondescript
plants with fresh flowers or foliage and a doormat, your front entry
should be empty of personal or decorative items.
-Make sure the front
porch light fixture is clean.
-Are any cracks
showing on the sidewalk or driveway? If you see hairline cracks, fill
them in with concrete patch.
-Make sure windows
are clean.
-Mow and edge -
the lawn should be immaculate. Re-sod over any dead areas, depending
on the time of year your home is on the market.
-Trim back low limbs
or those that are close to gutters or are scraping the roof.
-Do you have any
roof leaks? Repair loose shingles or replace the roof - this part of
the home has to be watertight or you may find yourself replacing it
as a provision of the sale.
- If your dog does
its business in the back yard, pick up afterward. Use sealable baggies
so your trash does not smell. Place charcoal briquettes inside trashcans
to handle other odors as well.
-Make sure all toys
and yard tools are stacked neatly or hung inside the garage. If you
are renting a storage space to hold interior belongings, consider removing
swing sets and other large items for the time being. You want the back
yard to look spacious and ready for a new owner.
-Remove all signs
of personal ownership such as name plaques or decorative mailbox covers.
-Is the mailbox
sagging? Is the post leaning? The mailbox should look new and the post
freshly painted.
-How does your home
look at dusk or after dark? Is it well lit and inviting? Take a drive
past at different times of day to evaluate the lighting. Add temporary
or permanent walkway lighting if necessary. Potential buyers make take
several drive-bys before they ask to see the interior of the house.
-Check the gutters
for debris and leaks. Repair any bent or damaged sections.
-Make sure that
decking looks fresh. Re-stain if necessary and replace loose deck screws
and rotting boards.
Make every effort
to prepare your home for the buyer before contacting a real estate agent
and you may just find your home sold before you know it.
Other
helpful articles:
Preparing a Home's Interior for Sale
Buying a Home for its Resale Value
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