Ways to Create Curb Appeal And Sell Your Home
On your mark! Get set! Go! The housing market is heating up again. If you're a homeowner looking to sell, you should strike while the iron is hot. And to get the price you want as quickly as possible, you should consider upping your game by improving the overall appeal of your home before placing it on the market.
Many studies conducted in the real estate industry have shown that many decisions made to buy or pass on home are made within 30 seconds of a buyer's arrival at the home. These decisions are based on what they think of the outside of the home.
If the home is attractive and does not appear to need a lot of work, the potential buyer will give serious consideration to purchasing the home. However, if it appears that the outside needs a lot of work; they may automatically assume the interior is in need of a lot of work also.
There are five simple things that you can do to improve your home's curb appeal that are inexpensive and easy to do. Each of these tips is based on a survey of what people consider when approaching a home they are interested in buying.
1. Landscaping. Is the landscaping fresh and pristine? Does it seem cluttered and difficult to manage? If so, the potential buyer may translate it into a high maintenance headache. Hardscaping your property can increase curb appeal and decrease the labor required to keep it looking great every day.
Having a professionally manicured lawn is a smart way to sell your home quickly. Many landscaping services like www.arbor-nomics.com can give your home a makeover in just one afternoon. It is well worth the expense to draw in prospective buyers.
2. Lighting. Well designed outdoor lighting is another important selling feature. Not only does it add to a home's personality, it also provides additional security along the perimeter of the grounds. Solar powered lighting is energy efficient and frugal--which will also appeal to house hunters.
3. Doors. Make sure that the front door and the garage door have a fresh coat of paint and maybe even some new hardware. If either has any flaws that cannot be touched up with a coat of paint, they should be replaced. A poorly maintained garage door or front door can easily give a prospective buyer the impression that the whole house is in need of extensive repairs.
4. Exterior. The siding or stucco should be clean and in top condition; all needed repairs should be made. Pressure washing your home before the realtor takes any photos will do wonders to enhance its appeal. An immaculate appearance suggests that the house is move-in ready.
5. Driveway. A clean driveway is also a pathway to a quick sell. Even if there are cracks, they can be overlooked if it is clean. Remove trash cans, clutter from the garage, and children’s toys; and pull all weeds growing near the driveway or in the cracks.
Follow these tips and get ready to sell your home quickly for the asking price or above. Curb appeal has a powerful impact on home buyers. Most will overlook interior flaws if the exterior dazzles their eyes.
Writer and homeowner LaGeris Underwood Bell knows the value of a tantalizing home exterior to draw in house hunters. She hopes the tips in this article and services like those at www.arbor-nomics.com will help property owners make the deal of their dreams.