What do buyers notice when looking to purchase a home or real estate representatives when they preview properties for their clients? We all know that making a good first impression is essential. Why not take it a step further and do what it takes to make people say “wow!”. Consider that as you take a walk around your property. See the property as a potential buyer would view it. Do you like what you see?
Here are eight quick tips for making a visual impact that entice people to want to see more.
- Beautify Your Door. Find your paintbrush and give the front door a fresh coat of paint. If it complements your general façade, a bright hue will draw attention from the street. Replace the doorknobs and hinges with new, shiny ones. Simple touches like a seasonal wreath adds a warm and inviting welcome. Make a note to fix or replace your screen door if it squeaks or sags, or simply remove it to reveal a more appealing entryway.
- Pressure Wash. Rent or purchase a power washer and thoroughly clean the outside from top to bottom. Pay careful attention to any white or light-colored areas that are prone to dust and dirt accumulation. It’s great for porches, stairwells, and decks. By the way, power washing works just as well on concrete, brightening up sidewalks and driveways.
- Polish And Shine. Another simple fix is to polish the metal on the outside of your house until it gleams like a sparkle. Start with the numbers on your home. If a good metal polish doesn’t work, replacing them is a relatively inexpensive option. Make sure all of the outside light fixtures are in operating order and shine brightly both in the daytime and when it’s dark. If there’s a burnt out light, replace it. How about your mailbox? If you still have one, consider one of the newer models with a security lock. Prospective owners may find that appealing.
- Hide The Kids And Dogs. It’s important that your house appeals to as many people as possible and not all potential purchasers have children. If you do have children, think about hiding the evidence. Put the bikes and balls away. Remove whatever play equipment you can, such as swings or sports equipment, or move them to a less prominent location. Also, give someone in your household responsibility to pick up after your fur babies so your house is in tip top shape when pictures of your property are taken or potential buyers look through your home.
- Decorate Your Landscape. You don’t need a green thumb to provide seasonal colour to your home’s exterior. Consider containers. Starting with a few bright pots on the front steps or at the door is a terrific way to go. Purchase whatever is in season at your local nursery. It is advised to not use anything that is dead or dying. Maintain a groomed and edged lawn as well.
- Light Your Outdoor Space. Exterior lighting improves both the look and security of your property. In-ground lighting can be used to highlight landscape features or the house itself. Make sure the walkway and driveway in front of the house are brightly illuminated. Solar fixtures are reasonably inexpensive and straightforward to install if wiring is not an option, although they may not be as bright as wired fixtures.
- Clean Your Windows. Potential purchasers will notice your windows so make sure they are power washed as well. Wipe them with old newspapers after spraying with an inexpensive solution of water and vinegar. If you treat them the same way on the inside, the whole house will shine.
- Shutters Are A Nice Accent. If you don’t currently have shutters, you might want to consider getting them installed. If you have shutters, reattach anything that appears saggy or out of place. Do they need to be painted? This is an inexpensive fix to refresh the appearance of your home. Consider choosing a contrasting hue that highlights the exterior of your home. Dark green looks fantastic with yellow or cream. On stone or brick, black looks terrific, while white is almost always a good choice.
These 8 tips are simple ways to make your property stand out to potential buyers. Of course, keep in mind your neighbourhood, competing homes on the market, and your budget as you decide what to do to enhance your property’s curb appeal. Do-it-yourself or hire professional assistance to increase your selling price with low-cost cosmetic changes. When you sell your home, your investment will pay off.
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