You already know that first impressions are important. Isn’t this why you dress well for meetings and have a firm handshake?
But first impressions don’t just affect your relationships. A buyer’s first impression of your property can have a serious impact on whether or not they make an offer – and what kind of offer they make.
Improve the first impression of your property by focusing on it curb appeal, Curb appeal can skyrocket a home’s value and get buyers bidding before they even walk in the door. And best of all: A boost to curb appeal may only require a quick phone call, a paint job, or a few hours of your time.
Invest some money this weekend in updating your property’s curb appeal to make a better first impression.
8 ways to improve your property’s curb appeal
1. Mowing the lawn
Landscaping is an important part of curb appeal. A property with a landscape is likely to go for one to 12 per cent more than one that doesn’t.
You don’t need to install a Roman fountain to have an impressive lawn. A simple, well-mowed lawn pays off. Experts estimate that paying for standard lawn care services will return at least 200 percent of the cost. And it doesn’t require more than a phone call and a few hours of someone else’s work.
Even if you just trim the shrubs and mow the lawn, buyers will be more impressed with the overall property.
Connected: landscaping trends that increase the value of your home
2. Paint the Doors
Doors hold sentimental value. We’ve all seen those posters with “doors around the world”. Will the front door on your property be cut in?
If not, give the front door a fresh paint job. Decorate it with a bright color that invites shoppers to come in and look around. Painting the front door can make your home more memorable to buyers who are viewing multiple properties.
While you’re at it, take a look at the garage door. Many homeowners enter their home through the garage, so make it attractive. Experts say that garage doors account for 40 percent of a home’s curb appeal. A quick wash or paint job will do wonders.
3. Clean Windows
You don’t have to replace everything on the front porch—just a quick cleanup is enough. Spray all street-facing windows and make necessary repairs.
Torn screens, missing shutters, and dirty windows are all projects new homebuyers don’t want to take after closing.
4. Buy Unique House Number
No one will visit your open house if they can’t Get Your open house
Take a look at your property. Are the numbers prominent and easy to see from the road?
If the answer is no, a new set of numbers can solve the problem. And Give the home more personality. This is another quick fix that will make the housewarming more memorable. Don’t just leave the staging inside!
5. Clean the Gutters
What buyers are not seeing directly in front of them. If they look up and see gutters and a dirty roof, they can go back to their car. When a house is in need of immediate maintenance, it is not exactly conducive.
Clean gutters yourself or hire someone to do home roof and roof repairs. A quick run with the pressure washer won’t take long, but it will save buyers the stress of thinking about clogged gutters when they view your property.
6. Spruce
Buyers want to see themselves living or working in your property. They want to see a Christmas tree sparkling with decorations or a front porch ready to hand out Halloween candy to the neighbors.
Décor is a great way to stage a property And Make a memorable first impression.
7. Light up the Driveway
When buyers pull into their driveway after a long day at work, what will they see: a dark house or an attractive home?
A few lights on the driveway can guide a buyer’s car to the property at the end of a long day. Proper lighting also makes the property safe for families or elderly buyers.
Connected: Want to sell your home faster—for more money? do it
8. Staged Porch
The front porch isn’t the warmest place to entertain, but it can provide a nice spot for a quiet evening with a cup of tea. Stage the front porch to show buyers how relaxing life will be when they walk inside.
A nice porch swing and/or table and chairs will help shape the personality of the home and offer more seating for open houses and showings.
Bottom-line
These aren’t extravagant improvements—but they can make a big impact on the overall impression buyers get when they first see your property. Take the time to invest in your home’s curb appeal, and you’ll surely invite more buyers to come in (and eventually bid).
Do you have any curb appeal tips to add to this list?
Share them with a comment below.
Note by BiggerPockets: These are the views expressed by the author and do not necessarily represent the views of BigPockets.
