Curb Appeal, First Impressions Count

Saying first impressions count isn’t news to anyone. But what a seller considers as a “first impression” vs. what a buyer considers are not always the same.  

I recently asked a few people getting ready to sell what they thought potential buyers first impression would be of their home. Almost all of them led me to their front entrance.

I then asked those same people, who are also looking to buy, why they decided not to look at a home that met all their criteria. They laughed.

Why?

My question made them realize the first impression is not the front door; it is the oft-overlooked drive by. They made the decision not to walk into a house based on what they saw when they drove by….

So where do you begin to make sure that doesn’t happen to you? You’ve spent time de-cluttering the closets and touching up the paint, now you tackle the outside. The first step is easy. Take a digital photo of your home in the morning and another later in the day. Take photos from any angle in which the house can be seen from the street. If you live in a congested area, remember the back of the house may be seen from the street over. 

Once you’ve taken the photos, convert them all to black and white. Color distracts the eye and may disguise problem areas. When you review the photos in black and white you will easily see the trouble spots.

Analyze the photos. Is your front entrance clear and inviting? Does it look like the landscaping is overgrown and, as a result, hiding attractive elements of the home? Does the front appear sparse and bare as a result of a lack of mature landscaping?

If you have a few problem spots, there are a few simple steps you can take to increase the curb appeal and help create a positive first impression:

• Remove all tools, toys, and garbage cans from view
• Clean windows, inside and out
• Power wash the house
• Edge and mulch all garden beds
• Dispose of any leaves and piles of branches
• Remove mold/mildew from windowsills, roof, and patio
• Clear the gutters and ensure they are all securely fastened

If landscaping is sparse, consider placing a couple planters with seasonal flowers on either side of the front door. Yellow and purple are welcoming colors! Simple window boxes can also fill in the front and add a pop of color.

Another simple trick is to utilize Adirondacks chairs. If you have ample space in the front, place them under a tree with an attractive outdoor pillow. If space is limited in the front, place them at a key location in the back yard to create a relaxing and inviting oasis.

This is a great time of year to tackle the outside.  For more tips visit http://www.realtor.com/home-garden/

Questions or comments? Feel free to email Paula at paula.ostop@raveis.com