People say don’t judge a book by its cover but when it comes to selling your home, first impressions matter. From in-person visits to virtual home viewings, your home’s curb appeal can make a world of difference in getting – and keeping – buyer interest in your home.
What is curb appeal?
How attractive does your house look from across the street or when you drive by your backyard? This is what it means to have curb appeal. A well-kept yard, a good paint job, and a sturdy roof can boost your home’s look and encourage potential buyers to drop an inquiry and schedule a viewing. Great curb appeal also indicates that you have been keeping your home In tip-top shape for the whole duration of your living there.
Look at your house with a buyer’s eyes
One way to enhance your curb appeal is to put yourself in a homebuyer’s shoes. Try reenacting their drive around your house. Take note of any eyesores in the landscaping, driveway, and sidings as you drive around then schedule their repair immediately.
To get a good price for your home, you will also need to spot damage and flaws before your buyer does. Take note, though: Improving curb appeal does not mean you have to splurge. In fact, a few light repairs could already do wonders for your home.
If you are on a budget, you can do the following tasks to improve your home’s exterior:
- Clean up your yard. Make sure you remove weeds and sweep away leaves and debris on both your front- and backyard.
- Clean up your driveway. Keep any tools, toys, or other trinkets in storage.
- Spruce up your front door. Your door could use some fresh paint or a new doorknob.
- Repair your mailbox. Has your mailbox door been hanging open for a few months now? Or has the paint been peeling off? Then it is time to get that fixed or have it replaced.
- Check your lighting. See which of your outdoor lighting needs replacing.
- Work on your windows and gutters. If you have been living in your house for years, you may have neglected some hard-to-reach windows and gutters. These may now need to give them some deep cleaning and repairs.
- Replace broken roof shingles. A worn-out roof may turn off buyers as they might start to wonder what other major repairs may be waiting for them if they buy your house.
- Touch up your walls. Check for and repair any damage on your sidings. Make sure to spot and remove mold and mildew, too.
Staying on budget
Improving your home’s curb appeal alone may save you money but working on the wrong improvements will be costly. Make sure to consult with experts, like the Pagnotta Homes team, who know what buyers want and can help you in strategizing your home improvement. Contact the team at 908.436.7947 or send an email to info(at)pagnottahomes(dotted)com to take the first step to successfully selling your home.
