What would buyers see if they drove up to your home? Take a look. Stand outside your home and try to look at it through a stranger's eyes. First impressions are lasting impressions. If buyers see paint peeling, a crack in a window, or an unkempt yard, they are apt to speculate that there are other, more substantial things wrong with the home.
"First impressions are lasting impressions"
That first impression, or curb appeal, can make the difference in the amount of money a buyer is willing to offer.
Here are some suggestions to enhance the curb appeal of your home:
- Mow the lawn, clean up the yard, and prune the shrubs
- Scrub or paint the front porch and door
- Check porch/deck and hand railings to ensure they are secure
- Wash the windows; make them sparkle
- Pick up and put away toys and bikes
- Check that lawn furniture is in good repair, or store it away
- Add charm with pots of flowers
- Repair and paint the fence, if necessary
- Repair the roof, gutters, and downspouts as necessary
These improvements are essential. A prospective buyer, when met with an untidy home, can't help but wonder if there are problems with the rest of the house.
We strive to to be the best Realtors for our clients throughout Lake County and McHenry County by making your real estate experience exceptional from beginning to end; and sometimes it helps to have an objective perspective. Feel free to call or contact us if I can answer any questions or make any suggestions to improve your home's curb appeal.