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Real
estate professionals talk about the importance of curb appeal, that
subjective, intangible quality that has buyers thinking emotionally
rather than logically. We've all experienced it: You know, that
singular moment when you drive up to a home and it's love at first
sight. Something about it has your heart beating just a little bit
faster. Perhaps it's the way the home sits on the property, or the
mix of clapboard and fieldstone, the expanse of grass carpeting, the
stately columns, the boisterous symphony of greenery and brilliantly
colored flowers. Something calls to you and you respond, "Yes.
This is it. I don't care what the inside looks like. I want
it." That's curb appeal.
Curb
appeal extends to neighborhoods as well. Meticulously maintained
homes in the estate section of town enjoy solid curb appeal whereas
poorly kept neighborhoods do not. Interestingly, even your
neighbor's state of curb appeal can positively or negatively affect
your home's.
So
how can you tell where your home registers on the curb appeal scale?
One way to find out is to take pictures of your property from
various angles. Show them to friends, family, colleagues, anyone
known for providing painfully objective feedback. Find out what's
appealing about the home and grounds, and what needs improvement.
Take the photos to a nursery for a professional landscaper's
opinion. Even more important, consult your real estate agent. A
local real estate professional has experience selling homes in your
area and can be a great resource. Ask the agent to walk around the
property with you and view it from across the street. Develop a
"to do" list to bring your home up to show condition, then
brainstorm easy, cost-effective solutions.
Surprisingly,
even small enhancements can make a big difference. Building on your
home's curb appeal might be as easy as replacing a broken screen and
planting a few flowers near the front door.
Here
are some ideas to get you going.
Paint
and polish. A fresh coat of paint breathes new life into a
tired-looking home. If your home looks dull or suffers from pealing,
cracked or chipped paint, a paint job is a great investment.
Realtors suggest using neutral colors such as white or gray. A point
of interest: According to a survey by the National Association of
REALTORS® (NAR), white homes sell faster than others. Whether or
not you paint, you'll want to polish the doorknocker and mail slot
on the front door, as well as any light fixtures by the entry.
Go
over the grounds. Mow and edge the grass, and trim the trees and
bushes. Also, clear away dead leaves and flowers, and mulch and weed
the beds. Check to see that tree branches are not touching the
home's roof or outer walls. You can spruce up the property by
hanging flowering baskets and placing planters of flowers in
strategic spots.
Make
needed repairs. Work your way through your "to do"
list. In addition, see if anything is unhinged, loose or just an
eyesore. Fix everything including broken fencing, windows and
screens. Try the doorbell. Check stairs and railings. Test doors for
squeaks and rusted hinges. Don't forget to take a critical look at
the property at night. Make sure the lights work, and replace dim
and burned-out bulbs.
Unclutter.
Now's the time to have a garage sale, not when you're about to move.
Throw out everything you can. Organize the garage and any out
buildings. Put away lawn and garden equipment and tools. Tidy up the
deck, patio and back yard. Clean up the barbecue area. Eliminate any
"evidence" of Fido, and restrict him to the back yard when
showing the home. Move extra vehicles from the view of passersby.
Clean.
You want buyers to think the home has been well maintained. To make
a bright impression, clean the windows, inside and out, wash down
the walks and driveway, and hose down the siding. Clean outdoor
furniture and cushions. Check for oil spots on cement surfaces,
especially the garage floor.
Remember,
a sale can be made or lost as a direct result of your home's curb
appeal. So exert a little elbow grease now and you'll captivate
buyers at the curb. It's a sure way to a quick sale.
If you have questions about this or any other
home buying or selling subject, confer with the real estate
professionals who can help provide you with more detail…
We
can be reached at (310) 265-2130
Prudential California Realty is an independently owned and operated
member
|of The Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential
Financial company.
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Opportunity
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