Home Improvement
Guide.
Here's a couple of suggestions that require a
minimum amount of time and expense to complete and can make your house
stand out from the competition.
The First Impression
Did you know that within 15 seconds a buyer has already developed an opinion
of your property? This is why giving the right first impression is critical
to achieving a successful sale. Following is a list of elements which
create the overall first impression and can make sure the buyer reacts
as favorably as possible.
Curb Appeal
Everything from the street to your doorstep effects people's impression.
For this reason, you must make sure each component of the visual landscape
looks its best, not just your lawn and garden. Make sure the street in
front of your house is free of litter or debris. If necessary, give it
a fresh sweep. Although you do not own the fire hydrant in front of your
house, you should still be concerned about how it looks. If it needs a
freshening up, get permission from your town and paint it. Sweep your
sidewalk and remove weeds that may be growing between the cracks.
A freshly painted fence gives a home a crisp look. Don't let a peeling
fence or stand between a prospective buyer and a positive first impression.
A quick painting of an old mailbox will let the buyer know you care about
the details. If outdoor lamps look rusted and worn out, new ones will
cast a positive light on your property.
Neatly trimmed shrubs and a well manicured lawn are essential. Taking
the time to do this costs little, but has a big impact. Besides being
freshly mowed and trimmed, a lawn should look healthy. If there are spots
that look beyond help, a little sod goes a long way to restoring the look
of a well-maintained lawn.
Your walkway should be clean and free of weeds.
If sections are badly cracked, consider having them repaired. As for the
driveway there are two elements of the driveway with which you should
be concerned. The first is its surface condition. If stained or otherwise
worn-looking, consider resealing it with a high quality sealer product.
Second is the appearance of the car parked in the driveway. A newly waxed,
well-maintained automobile will make such a different statement about
you and your property than an unattractive, poorly cared for car. If you
think your car will be a detriment to the look of your property, park
it down the street.
A fresh coat of paint can be one of the best
investments you can make to increase the value of your property. If you
do not want to spend the money to paint the entire house, consider just
the shutters or the front of the house. If you have vinyl or aluminum
siding, have a cleaning service wash or repaint it using a product designed
for these materials.
Attractive windows can help increase the appeal of your property. Replace
any cracked or broken glass and make sure the windows are sparkling clean.
Think about adding shutters to the front of your house or installing window
boxes with bright flowers.
The roof may be the single most important aspect of your home front.
Replace any broken or missing shingles or tiles and repair flashing where
needed. Paint eaves and fascia boards and If the roof is old and needs
to be replaced, consider having the work done before showing the property.
Neat and trim-looking gutters and downspouts make a house look shipshape.
Consider replacing highly visible ones if they are in need of serious
repair. If run off areas are eroded, you can install concrete (or other)
spillways.
The doorway is the focal point of your house. So repaint the door and
apply new door hardware. Maybe, install a brass kick plate. Replace house
numbers. Or Put a flower box or planter alongside the door.
By showing attention to detail you can dramatically increase the saleability
of your property.
|