Curb Appeal

The majority of today’s buyers (over 80%) begin their search for a home on the internet.  These buyers modify their search by scrolling through the photos available on major websites such as Realtor.com, GSMLS.Com, WSJ.com and Trulia.com.  The first photo available to buyers searching for homes is most often the exterior photo.  Most home buyers will not look at interior home photos if they deem the home unattractive from its exterior picture.  What this means to sellers is they must make an extensive effort to maximize the curb appeal of their home to increase their chances that  buyers will select their home from those available in their price range.

The best way to determine what needs improvement for your home’s curb appeal is to look at the front of your home from several vantage points.  Pay close attention to what the buyer will see as they approach your front door.  What does it look like as you drive by the home?  Many buyers do a drive-by before making an appointment to see the inside. 

The front door and porch or front steps are what buyers notice first.  Make sure the door is freshly painted, the hardware is polished and the door color complements your home.  The front porch and entry way can be dressed up by flanking the door with matching planters.  The planters should be the correct size for the porch.  Ensure that the planters do not impede with walking to the door or entering your home.  A new or freshly cleaned door mat should be placed at the door to welcome buyers to your home.  As a final touch, nothing says “welcome home” like a beautiful front door wreath complementing the colors of your home.

The front yard and planting beds should also be addressed.  Make sure your grass is mowed and all yard debris is removed.  Trim bushes and make sure trees and bushes are not blocking the front of your home.  Buyers should be able to see your home clearly from the street.  Make sure the positive features of your home’s exterior are visible.   Trim work, window moldings and architectural details should be visible to help sell your home. 

Look at your home at night as well as during the day.  Make sure the home has sufficient lighting to the front door.  Many buyers visit homes for sale in the evening.  Polish the light fixtures and replace worn-out bulbs.  Make sure the path to the front door is visible and clear of any obstructions.  Check that stepping stones in your entry path are not tripping hazards.

Finally make sure your front door opens and closes easily.  Your home should give the appearance that it is well-cared for.  Struggling with the lock or needing to use extensive force to push the door open does not give a good first impression of your home.  Buyers establish their impression of a home within the first few minutes.   A beautiful exterior enhances their view of your home and gets buyers ready to be impressed after they walk through your front door.

Before you list your home for sale, speak to a Realtor who understands home staging and curb appeal.  I assist sellers in preparing their home for sale inside and out before they put their home on the market.  Presentation is everything in today’s market place where the majority of our buyers begin their search on-line.  Making the effort to be sure your home shows at its best is worth the trouble; pictures speak a thousand words.  Visit my website to see a slide show of home staging before and after photos:  www.ginnystagesandsells.com.