subject: Curb Appeal How Not To Turn Off Condo Or Townhouse Customers At First Sight [print this page] The townhouse or condo buyer will form an opinion the moment he enters the vicinity. That would include the common areas that are being shared by and are therefore the joint responsibilities of the building occupants.
Townhouses
The same rules that apply to selling a house apply to townhouses except that the scale of things has to fit a smaller space and nothing can go around to the side unless you own an end unit. Selling a townhouse therefore requires some ingenuity. What the neighbors do affects how your home "shows" from the curb.
So it will be an advantage if you have broadminded neighbors who will be willing to help in your time of need. Their cooperation in making common areas presentable and free of clutter are essential in convincing a prospective buyer that they are looking at a place that will be nice to live in. You would really appreciate it if they'd be as vigilant as possible. Maybe even ask if they'd mind if you took their trash containers to the back if you get home first (assuming you can do it without going through private space).
Some neighbors will be difficult to deal with so you have to do the best you can under the circumstances including doing some of the cleaning chore yourself. Overgrown grass is an eyesore so you may have to cut it and do some other cleaning at the front of the structure. Some neighbors may misconstrue your motives and make things difficult so you may have to stretch your patience and be diplomatic at the same time.
Condo Units and Apartments
The things that you can do in a townhouse are the same in the case of condos and apartments. Apartments and apartment style condos often have a lot of common areas. It's not typically your job to take care of them. But if you are not satisfied, then you may have to do some of the cleaning. Get rid of clutter in the open spaces leading to your unit. If the carpet needs shampooing, then do it. Sweep the walks out front. Wipe smudges off the glass of your building door. This is no time to rue your misfortune for doing things that you are not supposed to do. You actually have no choice but to pressure the responsible parties to do the job or else do it yourself.
The loss is yours if a buyer does not like what he sees from the outside and didn't even bother to stop and take a look at what's inside. You will get your reward when they step down from the car and ask to be taken inside.
