How To Create Curb Appeal Before Selling - And Why You Should
You hear the word tossed around a lot in real estate circles. You hear it mentioned on home-selling programs on HGTV and other networks. But what exactly is "curb appeal," and why should you care about it when selling your home?
In this article, we will start by answering this fundamental question. Then we will take a closer look at the elements of curb appeal, and how you can use them to increase your chances for a quick sale! But first, a definition.
What is Curb Appeal?
Let's start with a basic definition, just so we are on the same page. Curb appeal is the first impression people get when pulling up in front of your house. It is their perspective from the curb, literally. It's the first and most powerful impression your house will make on potential buyers, so it's a topic you should take seriously.
Curb appeal encompasses many things, each of which we will discuss in more detail. These elements include your landscaping (lawn, shrubs, trees and flowers); your home's entryway; the doors and shutters; and the overall appearance of the home (paint, structural integrity, etc.).
When potential buyers pull up in front of your home, they will try to imagine themselves in it. They will also imagine pulling up to the house after work each day, inviting friends over, etc. Will the house give them a sense of satisfaction and joy when they pull up to it? Will they be proud when they have guests over? Or do they have a negative impression right from the start?
You can rest assured that all buyers will go through this mental (and sometimes verbal) checklist when they first visit. It may happen in a flash, mostly on the subconscious level. Or it may happen over a span of fifteen minutes, as the buyers stand out front waiting for their agent to arrive. But it will certainly happen. And as the saying goes, you never get a second chance to make a first impression.
Key Areas of Focus
The Lawn - It takes time to bring out the best in your lawn. So if it needs work, you should start with this item first. If necessary, call in a professional lawn service. Yes, it's that important.
Bushes and Flowers - If you don't have any of either, consider planting some flowers in key areas to brighten things up. Make sure bushes and shrubs are healthy and well trimmed.
The Entryway - This includes your front porch, the front door, any windows around the door, railings leading up to it, etc. Make sure everything is clean and free of cobwebs, dust and dirt. Freshen up the paint wherever needed.
Take the Test
Here's a simple but effective way to assess your current level of curb appeal. Take a notepad out in the street in front of your house. Now imagine you're a buyer, and you've just pulled up in front of the house in your agent's car. Remember, it's not your house -- it's just one you're thinking of buying.
On your notepad, write down anything that catches your eye in a bad way. The grass is turning brown, the windows are dirty, the bushes look shabby, that sort of thing. Be as specific as possible. Draw a sketch if necessary. For instance, if there's a particular area of the lawn than needs attention, or a certain part of the facade that needs painting, write those details down.
When you have finished your list, it will serve as your plan of attack for improving your curb appeal. Prioritize the items by putting the most noticeable items at the top. This will be important later on, when you divide your list into (A) things that must be done and (B) things to do if time allows.
