The Everlasting First Impression - Curb Appeal

Today's post talks about Curb Appeal. Did you know buying a home is the biggest investment most people make in their lifetime? So, it only makes sense to keep your house looking great and functioning well...right? Seeing a beautiful, well kept home from the street increases its property value. Even for homeowners not planning to move. The increase in property value of one home can also extend to the rest of the neighbourhood. Keeping your property well-kept improves your street-wide value. Not only that, but your neighbor relationships too (which is a good thing).

Most buyers form their first impression of your home before they even get out of the car. Curb appeal is the view of your home from the street. This gives potential buyers the first chance to fall in love with your home. So make your home the talk of the neighbourhood...for the right reasons!

The exterior of your home should be impeccable. Clean it, clear it of clutter, with no visible repairs needed. So...fix that broken step. Cut down those overgrown bushes. Put away those scattered toys in the yard. That clutter can spoil the home's appearance and the potential buyer's first impression.

Here's a simple cleanup and spruce up checklist. Tips to make sure your home leaves a lasting first impression:

• Clear driveways and walkways of snow, weeds, and debris. Repair or replace cracked steps or pavers. Whenever possible, driveways should be clear of vehicles.

• Keep your lawn mowed, edged, and watered. Prune dead branches and plants. Weed flower beds and replace leggy, thin landscaping with fresh plants and flowers.

• Replace loose or damaged roof shingles. Clean the gutters. Paint and caulk window trim and doors.

• Make the front door area shine. Consider repainting your front door and placing a new welcome mat. Polish the door hardware and make sure all front facing windows are clean.

• Pressure wash siding, brick, windows, and porches.

• Replace light fixtures. If possible, pick new fixtures with the same mounting system to save time and hassle.

• Install new house numbers that match the finish of your light fixtures.

• Consider upgrading your mailbox. It's an inexpensive fix and the first thing that buyers will see when they pull up to your home.

• Install flower boxes or pots of blooming flowers for a pop of color.

• Hang a seasonal wreath from your front door.

Curb appeal is the first step in creating interest in a home for sale. In today's world of internet and photography, pictures of property have a major impact. It is well worth the time and money spent to have your home looking its best when a potential buyer drives up to the curb.

 Thanks for reading. Until next time...Keep It "REAL"

 Mary-Lou