You may have sold a home before or it could be the first time you are listing yours for sale. But 'Curb Appeal' is crucial. I always advise my clients to spend the least amount to maximize the highest return. I will always refer you to my tried, true and trusted 'strategic maintenance partners', so you're guaranteed it will be done right, done well and at the best pricing possible.
Here are are some easy, inexpensive fixes that will help create that outside appeal and get you one, giant step further to the sale of your home.
1. Paint or stain the front and garage doors, especially if they show any weathering. These are the first visuals where a potential buyer focuses. If garage doors are metal and dented, they may need to be replaced.
2. Any old, basically abandoned sheds or small structures, must be removed, the area graded and the grass replaced.
3. Change any dated, outside light fixtures.
4. Fix that driveway. If it is blacktop, make sure cracks and crumbling areas are dug out and filled and then the whole driveway sealed. If it is cement, have large cracks filled and repaired professionally. The buyer must at least feel they can drive the moving truck in confidently.
5. Make sure landscaping bricks are in their proper placement. Mowing, weed-whipping sometimes moves them and this is something the homeowner rarely notices, but makes the property look unsightly.
6. Fill in bare dirt under large shade trees. Plant shade-tolerant plants, in defined planters or groundcover. Landscape properly for that area.
7. All landscaping beds should be cleaned out and updated for the time of year it is in your region. Place down new bedding material.
8. Have trees and bushes pruned and trimmed. If a bush or tree is looking old or about to expire, remove it and replace it with a similar size and type if you can. If there is a tree limb(s) over the roof, have them removed.
9. If the house needs painting and a full paint job is not in the cards; have it touched up professionally in the worst, most visible spots. Paint shutters and fix them if they are hanging crooked.
10. If the house has any siding, have it power-washed and have gutters and windows cleaned. Window cleaning inside and out makes the house feel updated and fresh, rather than old and dingy.
11. Make sure grass is in good shape, weeds are removed, trimming done regularly. So many sellers fall down on this job the minute the house is listed, and this is critical to selling a house quickly, especially one where the owners have already moved out. In winter, removal must be done regularly too.
12. Keep garbage and recycle containers inside the garage, along with all toys and equipment. Make sure the garage is neat and organized. Painted walls and floors also go a long way in this area and are inexpensive to do.
13. Decks should be washed and repainted or re-sealed; plantings around them cleaned, weed-free and looking good. Patio furniture should be in excellent condition. Even though it is in the backyard, this is the area where the family can envision enjoying the warm days and the new yard.
14. If the roof has missing shingles and they can be replaced inexpensively, this can be done as it may save negotiation over a completely new roof. Roof repair needs and costs should be minor or the homeowner might as well replace the entire roof.
15. If you have an evening showing, make sure lights are on outside and inside the house. This is warm and inviting.
Remember, most home Buyers cannot visualize even these simple changes and clean ups in a house and the ones who can, will be looking for a reduced price. So to sell your home, at top dollar, and quickly, make it “appeal” to the many who will be seeing it rather than the few who are looking for a “fixer upper.” These Buyers know what they want and go after it!
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