Curb Appeal

Curb appeal refers to the first impression of a home when viewed from the street. It is one of the biggest factors in real estate marketing, so make sure your home looks great from the outside to attract potential buyers. Remove any scraps, discarded items, and building materials lying around. Here’s a quick checklist to help you out.
Start by checking from the roof line going down. Make sure that:

• your roof is free of moss, weeds and other obstructions.
• the gutters are properly attached.
• the windows are clean, clear, and unobstructed by trees or bushes.

Check the paint and siding. Determine whether:

• the sidings should be power-washed.
• you need to touch up the paint.
• your front door is still sturdy or needs to be replaced.

Next, inspect your lawn or garden. Make sure that:

• all your plants are neat and pruned.
• your lawn and flower beds are free of weeds.
• the soil is protected with mulch.
• your flowers are in bloom.
• there are no grass clippings anywhere.
• the lawn has neat, clean edges.

Now improve your landscaping. Here are things to consider:

• Make a foreground using flower beds on the arrival area.
  
• If possible, put in shrubs and/or flowering trees in the middle area.
  
• Improve the background – or the porch area – to give buyers a pleasant experience while walking into the interior entry. If your porch is roomy enough, invest in chairs, benches, console tables, sculptures, and garden art. You may also topiaries, or even arbors.
  
• If your budget allows it, build a walkway. Walkways add great interest to your landscape. You can opt for plain concrete, stamped concrete, colored concrete, or pavers.
  
• Do you have more space? Add a gazebo or a fountain.

Don’t’ forget the mailbox. Some ideas:

• You don’t have to change your mailbox if it is still in good condition. Repainting it will do. The address on your mailbox should be clear.
  
• Check for loose hinges and replace them. Sharp rims may injure the buyer who is looking at the mailbox and even tear your mail.
  
• Remove any plants or flowers hanging from your mailbox because – they may attract bees.
  
• Make sure that your mailbox follows all standards. Metal posts need to have a diameter of no less than two inches. Secure it in concrete to reduce wobbling. Also, the underside of your mailbox must be 42 inches from the ground.

Look good even at night:

• Review your curb appeal at dusk. Some serious buyers may drive by your home in the evening just to see if it looks good when there isn’t much light.
  
• Add low-voltage lights along the driveway, on the sidewalks, and also near major landscaping elements.
  
• Quick fix: Add a street lamp or any decorative lighting fixture to your front porch.