The goal of curb appeal is to enable potential buyers to see themselves living in your house. And just as we are drawn to people who smile, are neat, and do not demand constant attention we will be drawn to houses with the same characteristics That first encounter, and the impression it creates, can often be the deciding factor in whether or not your house will sell quickly. First impressions really do count.
Every buyer has his or her own idea about what a house should be. However, they usually have one thing in common: they want a house ready to live in. There is one exception I know of, someone who wants a “fixer upper”, someone looking for a bargain so to speak.
Keeping this in mind, start by looking at your house from the street. Remember that we usually do not seethe things to which we are accustomed. Try to see your house with new eyes, as someone passing by for the first time might see it. One thing that will help you do this is to go house hunting yourself. Make notes of your first impressions of the houses you view. Apply these to your house.
Taking pictures of your house, for reviewing, is a good idea. Often we see things in a picture that we have missed. When taking your pictures be sure to get morning and When taking your pictures be sure to get morning and
evening shots. Have friends and co-workers look at them and ask for a truthful critique.
Ask for a truthful critique
Another thing you can do is put your pictures on your PC; this allows you to view them, as some potential buyers will see them. With today’s rising fuel cost, more and more see them. With today’s rising fuel cost, more and more house hunters are looking first on the Internet. It can even be helpful to walk around the yard as a buyer might do, as you look through the camera. Believe me; it will give you a completely new perspective.
Front doors are critical areas. This is the place where you enter into the heart of the home, and should always be the focal point. Paint, polish or clean, do what ever it takes, even if you must replace it. It is that important. Everything else should point toward the door and never compete with it. A seasonal wreath may be okay but avoid plaques with names or sayings A good doormat is fine, as well as potted plants, if room allows. Your entrance should not be crowded.
A new coat of paint or maybe power washing will make your house more appealing. Mildew stains under faucets, on walks, or behind shrubs are a real turn off, and can easily be cleaned with several products from your local gardening or home improvement store. Remember this when you start thinking you do not have the time to paint: a prospective buyer may not have the time either. They have the option of going elsewhere while you may not. What if this was the one great offer you would have received. going elsewhere while you may not. What if this was the one great offer you would have received.
How does the roof look? If, you have a leak it should be repaired and documentation of the repair available to show buyers Some buyers will not be interested in a house that needs new roofing, even if the price reflects this They may not want to deal with the mess or the hassle.
Windows are another area that needs to be addressed. Are the windows in good repair? Are the panes clean both inside and out? The windows should literally sparkle. Are the shutters hung properly and in good repair? Do they add to the house or are they just there? Something else to look for is whether the size of the shutter is correct for the house. Are the screens in good shape? Replace any that are missing or have torn places.