Selling Your Home - Make Sure You Have Curb Appeal

In today's Real Estate market with the use of the internet, many home buyers choose homes off the web, then go "window shopping" and drive by the houses for sale before they ever contact their realtor about making an appointment. Will your house be crossed off the list before those prospective buyers ever get a chance to see the inside? How your house looks from the curb creates an emotional desire to own your home and a desire to take the next step.

How do you have great curb appeal? With lots of attention to detail. Your house should stand out on the block (in a good way of course).

Detail #1 New Paint There's nothing like a fresh coat of paint to give your home that great first impression. But make sure it is a quality job - don't just slather some new paint over the old. Clean and prepare the old surfaces. Replace rotten wood and caulk the gaps between boards so you will have a smooth surface. And for goodness sake, clean up after yourself! You are painting the house, not the bushes and sidewalk. This gives an "I care" attitude to the prospective buyer. Choose an up-to-date color that won't clash with the neighborhood.

Detail #2 New Landscaping Well-manicured landscaping is the frame in which your home sits. Trees, bushes and flowers should be tidy, simple, healthy and in proportion to your home. Those overgrown azaleas need to GO! From a practical sense, the plants and trees provide shade and control erosion. They can also provide privacy from the house next door, especially if yours is a one story next to a two story. But, don't let the branches hit people in the face on the way to your front door. Add bright flowers that welcome visitors to your home and make the prospective buyer feel welcome.

Detail #3 The Front Door This is the place where the realtor and buyer will spend several minutes while the key is obtained from the lockbox. The area should be welcoming and free from cob-webs and peeling paint (see detail #1). If the door and /or doorframe is tattered and/or rotten, then refinish it or replace it. Does the lock work easily? Is the doorbell property attached to the house, not tarnished and does it work? If there are steps up to the door, are they secure or in need of attention.

Detail #4 New Paving New sidewalks, driveways and retaining walls help pave the way to curb appeal. If the tree roots have caused the sidewalk to raise or crack, it's time to replace the sidewalk - not the tree. You don't want someone falling down on the way to the front door. There are many new decorative treatments for concrete such as cobblestone impressions, brick pavers, and more. If this is out of your budget, then pressure wash the concrete and make it look clean and fresh.

Detail #5 The Roof The roof is an important part of curb appeal. Many buyers have walked away from a home because they perceive the cost of a new roof - right after they move in - will be more than they can handle. First of all, do you need a new roof? Has the roof leaked recently? Are the shingles curved? If the roof looks dirty and worn, but you are NOT having any issues with it, then it may just need to be cleaned by a roof cleaning company. This perception can make or break a sale. If it IS time for a new roof, a new multidimensional roof can add contrasting textures and color to your home. You can even get simulated slate and improve the look of your home - especially in a tract home neighborhood.

Curb appeal, the first impression of your home is just as important as that first hand shake. Make a good impression and those buyers will want to know more about your house.

For more information and tips on getting your house ready to sell, ask for my special report: 29 Tips that Gets Homes Sold Fast and for Top Dollar. Order on line at www.ToniBird.com, and I'll be happy to send it out to you.