From Basic To Remarkable: Top Homes For Sale Have Curb Appeal
While the old adage, don't judge a book by its cover
, remains timeless advice, no where is it less applicable than in real estate. Nothing has stronger impact on buyers than the initial impression of a home's appearance, also known as curb appeal. With more than 80 percent of buyers viewing homes for sale online before visiting, creating an attractive looking home is more important than ever.
Defining Curb Appeal
How to go about creating curb appeal is open to a variety of interpretations. Just about any real estate website will have its own definition of curb appeal. However, much depends on the home's location, the local real estate market and, of course, the unique qualities of the home itself. Curb appeal is beyond just a tidy appearance. It is something special about a home that inspires or impresses before even entering the home.
There are a number of professional services available to help a seller improve a home's curb appeal. However, before spending thousands to paint, landscape, and add special lighting, an owner should first consider their first impressions of their home when they bought it. What stood out about the residence? Consider asking a neighbor, friend or real estate agent for their thoughts about the home's most appealing features.
Curb Appeal Basics
Don't let the broad nature of what goes into curb appeal become overwhelming. There are some basic features that should be evaluated and enhanced for all homes for sale. For example, the grass should be cut and dead spots should be reseeded or plugged. The lawns should be edged, trimmed and weeded. Hedges should be trimmed. Fresh mulch is a must and it's always a good idea to have some blooming flowers either in beds or in planters. Flowers are also useful tools for drawing attention to a particular point of view or feature.
The home's exterior and windows should be clean. If paint is worn, cracked or out-of-synch with others in the neighborhood, the home should be repainted. Often, instead of repainting the exterior, repainting the trim is sufficient. The mailbox should be clean and freshly painted, or new. Gutters, awnings, walkways and driveways should be stain free.
The main entrance is important. The front door should be pristine and the handle in good condition. A new welcome mat is a good idea. There should be no clutter around the entrance, although you may consider framing the door with potted plants.
Going From Basic To Remarkable Real Estate
Make the most of your home's best features by trying to draw attention to them. Consider the point of view that would be most flattering for a potential buyer to view the home. As mentioned, flowers can help accentuate a particular feature or view. Other tools for drawing attention to a view or feature include lighting, benches, wall accessories, or a bird bath. Minimize flaws that might distract from the home's best features. Those flaws might be noticed by a potential buyer, but only after that initial positive impression is made.
Being a standout among homes for sale in a competitive real estate market is not easy, but the more appealing a home's curb appeal, the more likely it is to make a strong impression on a buyer. A strong, positive impression is the key to moving a house from a listing to a sale. Knowing how to create that kind of inspiring effect in a home can be intimidating. However, a thoughtful analysis can save an owner time and money by focusing resources on features that make the most impact.
by: Chris Harmen
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