7 Affordable Ways to Create Curb Appeal
You never get a second chance to make a first impression and the first thing buyers or their agents do if they know a house is for sale is walk or drive by!! So, they better like what they see…or they will just keep driving. Imagine you are a buyer spending $1 Million or maybe $4 Million dollars of your hard earned money on a home. Now, walk around your property. Would you pay that? It’s worth the time and effort (and can be done on a budget) to make a few improvements and stop people in their tracks. That’s the “wow” factor!
7 Easy Ways to Makes Buyers Want to See More
- Start at the front door. Yes, it’s the first thing potential buyers see, so take a moment to spruce up the front door. You can touch up with paint or repaint a bright color that attracts attention from the street (if that fits with your overall exterior). Replace handset or door knob and hinges so they are new and shiny. Welcome adoring eyes and guests with a seasonal wreath! If you have a screen door that squeaks or sags, get a new one or just temporarily remove it to make an attractive door more visible.
- Dirt, dust and cobwebs repel. If your home, entryway, and walkways got beat by weather or critters, simply rent or buy a power washer. Pay special attention to any white or light-colored areas, which tend to collect dust and dirt. Use it on porches, stairs, decks, brick and concrete so you can lighten up sidewalks and driveways. (Be careful to avoid breaking light bulbs on light fixtures!)
- New and Shiny. Anything that’s metal on the outside of your home should sparkle and shine, which is really tough in climates like San Diego which can be hot inland or corroded by the constant coastal salt air. Start with new house numbers. A good metal polish might work, but if not, replacing them is relatively inexpensive. Exterior light fixtures should all be working order and shine brightly, both in daylight and dark. Check for burned-out bulbs. And why not invest in a nice, clean mailbox?
- Organize kid and pet stuff. You want your home to appeal to the broadest audience as possible. Not all prospective buyers have children or pets, so if you do, just downplay it. Store away bikes and balls, so they are organized and “have a place” (which will impress those with kids and pets). Make sure to check for “lawn gifts” your pets have left behind, whether it’s poop, a hole dug in the garden, or a prize mouse!
- Who doesn’t love fresh flowers and plants? You don’t have to have a green thumb to add seasonal color to the outside of your home. Think containers. For under $100 you can add a few colorful pots on the front steps or by the door. Keep the grass mowed and edged. Remember, keep it clean and simple.
- Lighting goes a long way. Good exterior lighting improves both appearance and security – and can really showcase a beautiful feature of your home like a tree. In-ground spots can accent landscape elements or the house itself. Light the front walkway and driveway if you have one. Solar fixtures are relatively inexpensive and easy to install if you don’t have power to that location.
- Don’t forget the windows. If the windows are dirty, buyers might question what else is not well kept. You can do it yourself with the power washer or hire professionals. Many window washing companies include interior windows, exterior windows, screens, exterior light fixtures and the window and sliding glass door track! Ask them if they are going to be in your area anytime soon and some offer an “on your block discount”.
Be the Buyer
Just remember, your house is under scrutiny and most buyers focus on what’s wrong before they see what they might love…and they haven’t even stepped foot through the door. Put yourself in buyer’s shoes and don’t let a few easy exterior improvements deter them from seeing the amazing potential and opportunity that sits before them!
Need a Professional Opinion?
We have sold hundreds of homes in San Diego and know what attracts buyers. Call us anytime to assess your home’s “wow” factor and help you make small changes than can make the difference between no offers or ten. Contact us today!
