Before you even call an agent (Hopefully Michelle or me), take a step back and try to see your home through a potential buyer’s eyes. There’s a very good chance that you can add significant value by taking on some easy projects that will increase its curb appeal.
First Impressions Matter
I’ve had buyers who wouldn’t go inside a home we had agreed to view because the landscaping seemed poorly maintained or the outside paintwork looked shabby.
Landscaping is of Paramount Importance
If your front lawn is less than attractive, this should be your #1 priority. Just do whatever it takes to make it look appealing. Grass should be kept short and borders should have some color that is easily accomplished with bedding plants from Home Depot. Then spreading bark in the borders gives the finishing touch.
Don’t Ignore Garage Doors
The first thing people see when they look at the outside of most homes in California is the garage
door. Sometimes it’s the only thing they see! Yet like most aspects of a home, garage doors have a finite life. It can be extended with proper maintenance, but at some point it will need to be replaced.
Look at the picture of the home above. The fact that the owners replaced the original doors with modern ones undoubtedly increased the appeal, which translated into a higher price when the home was sold.
Now maybe you don’t need to go to the expense of replacing the garage door, but at least make sure it shines with either a good cleaning or a new coat of paint.
The Front Door Matters Too
A bright, newly polished or painted front door with shining hardware prepares potential buyers to appreciate your home as they enter. Consider re-finishing it with new varnish, or perhaps with a new coat of paint. Red and black are both popular colors, particularly with brass hardware, but most other colors are generally best avoided.
Pristine Siding Shows You Care
If the siding of your home is dirty or needs re-painting, buyers will assume that the inside of your home will be in a similar state. Paint is the lowest cost and most effective improvement you can make to a home to increase its value.
The Bottom Line
Unless you are selling a fixer, it is generally accepted that improving the curb appeal of your home is one of the most cost-effective things you can do before listing it for sale. Can we help? If you are not sure what else you should do before, call Michelle or Bernard any time and we’ll happily give you our advice based on over 25 years’ experience listing and selling homes in our area.