Curb Appeal: First Impressions Count

If you're thinking of selling your home this Spring, you should know that the number one factor in beginning the sales process is ensuring the view of your home from the street is what lures buyers inside the door.  All the upgrades you may have done inside the home may never be seen by buyers if the outside doesn't welcome them inside.

What needs to be done to create great curb appeal?  Here are some easy, inexpensive fixes that will help create that outside appeal and get you one step closer to a sale.

• Check the condition of the roof - de-moss it if needed, fix any missing shingles, clean the gutters.
• Make sure windows trim is painted and well maintained, and that windows are clean. 
• Repair cracks in the sidewalk and driveway - particularly if there are any tripping hazards getting to the front door.  Have a professional fill and repair any large cracks so the buyer can feel comfortable driving their car on it safely.
• Fix faulty handrails - make it safe for buyers to grasp handrails to assist them up steps to the front door.
• Improve lighting for the address number - be sure it can easily been read from the street.  Also, change any dated, outside light fixtures to give the exterior an updated look.
• Add lighting to your front walkway or along the driveway.
• Get a new doormat.
• Consider painting the home - or at least the trim and shutters.
• Paint or clean the garage doors.  If the garage door is metal or dented, it may need to be replaced.
• Paint the front door an attractive color - especially paint the door if it shows any weathering.
• Put planters on either side of the front door. 
• Move visible storage, recycling boxes or other containers into the garage or behind a fence.
• Throw in some attractive landscaping and the house -  Mow and edge the lawn, trim plantings away from the house, fill in bare dirt under large shade trees - anything that will spruce up the front yard.

Remember, many home buyers drive by homes for sale before deciding to schedule a showing.  Many cannot visualize even these simple changes and clean-ups in a house - so if the front facade isn't appealing, that buyer may move on to the next home.  To sell the house quickly at top dollar - enhancing your home's curb appeal will get the right buyer inside the door!