Mark Friesen

Curb appeal can enhance your bottom line

Ms. Jones, a potential buyer, drives by your home prior to viewing it with her Real Estate Professional. The red brick, the large windows and the two-car garage looked very attractive in the properties listing. However, she can’t avoid noticing the patchy lawn, missing shingles on the roof, the chipped window frames, soiled siding, and kids’ bicycles and wagons stacked three-deep on the side of the garage. The front door is a foul shade of violet. Now she knows why that shot never made it into the properties listing pictorial. She shakes her head and drives away, without even getting out of her car. She calls her Real Estate Professional and says she would like to look at another house.

It’s always a good idea to improve your home’s outside appearance. In fact, it’s essential to increasing the price you will receive for your home. A prospective buyer will determine, in seconds, whether your home is a prospect.

Set the stage with good curb appeal

Curb appeal is the overall impression that your home creates when viewed by a potential buyer. It is the quality that gets buyers’ thinking about your home as their home. As soon as a potential buyer sees your home, they will begin creating an emotional connection, be that good or bad, with your home. A buyer begins to form a picture in their minds. Could I live here? Can I maintain my current lifestyle in this home? How much work do I have to do? After viewing a home that looks cared for, on the outside, they will want to move inside. Be sure to consider the following areas when enhancing your curb appeal.

Paint

Chipped or peeling paint detracts from your home’s appearance. An inexpensive paint job, including front door, fence, shutter and other surfaces can significantly enhance your home’s appearance and value. Choose a neutral color that matches the brick, siding, fence or trim of your home.

Landscaping

Mow and edge your lawn. Repair any unsightly patches. Trim trees and shrubs. Replace old pots with new ones. Water flowers. Store garden tools in the garage or basement.

Sidewalks/driveway

Hose down sidewalks and driveways. Clear any clutter. Store any toys, sporting equipment or bicycles, neatly in the garage or basement. Remove stray weeds from adjoining lawn areas.

Eavestrough

If possible hose them down, along with the siding and sidewalks. Remove any leaves or debris. If they're damaged or loose, repair them.

Fences/siding/exterior

Complete any repairs to these areas. A fence that looks like it will blow over the in the next strong wind, leaves a bad impression. Be sure to hose down these areas, prior to viewing.

Cracked/uneven foundation

Have this area repaired. A buyer is less likely to purchase your home if they will be hit with foundation repairs.

Lighting

Upgrade any worn or rusted lighting. Warm lighting around your home’s exterior creates an inviting appearance. Even a smaller home can appear cozy with the correct lighting.

Finishing touches

Put out a new, inexpensive welcome doormat. Clean any outdoor furniture and replace old and worn cushions. If you have a pet that lives in the backyard, be sure to advise your Real Estate Professional in advance. Even better, arrange for pet boarding when showing your home.

When you pay attention to the curb appeal of your home will likely spend less time on the market. Uncompleted repairs could lengthen the time needed to sell your home. The first impression that a buyer makes of your home is important. It sets the tone for the rest of the walk through. When your prospective buyer falls in love with the exterior, he or she will anticipate an equally appealing interior. With good curb appeal, you are issuing a personal invitation: “Welcome. Come on in.”