We all know that curb appeal can make a big difference when it comes to buying or selling a home. After all, first impressions are everything. When getting ready to sell, however, it can be hard to justify spending the time and money on the outside of your house. Exterior work can be expensive, but the good news is that it doesn’t always have to be. Here are a few tips for easy, cost-effective ways to get your front lawn and home exterior in top condition:
1) Prioritize anything that needs to be fixed
If you have a tight budget for curb appeal, make sure that your money is first spent on fixing anything that needs repairing. There’s nothing worse than a faulty step or a fidgety key lock to be the first thing your buyer experiences.
2) Clean up your yard
Trimming the bushes, sweeping the front steps, mowing the lawn and removing weeds all make a big difference when staging your home for a sale. It may not seem like much, but some basic yard work goes a long way. Landscaping mulch will keep things looking tidy and reduce regular maintenance. Some landscaping lighting can be installed without breaking the bank and greatly improves night visibility.
3) Paint the front door
A fresh coat of paint on the front door is a great way to start a showing. I can help you decide between a nice neutral colour and a bright, welcoming colour and provide advice on what would look best given the colour of your house and your neighbourhood. It’s the best return you’ll get on the price of a can of paint.
4) Create an inviting seating area
If the setting allows, create a welcoming area for prospective buyers to see the potential for outdoor relaxation. This is also helpful if a buyer arrives to a showing a few minutes before a Realtor, and they can sit down while they wait. A fresh coat of paint on older furniture, a couple container plans, some new cushions and perhaps even a new outdoor rug can refresh a tired look, quickly and cost-effectively.
Want to learn more? Give me a call so we can come up with some creative ideas to get your home ready for a quick sale.
