We have all heard it – “You never have a second chance to make a good first impression.” Truer words have never been spoken, especially if you are in the market to sell your home. If your house needs painting, the trees, bushes, grass and plants are over-grown, or obvious repairs are needed on the outside, this is the best way to scare away a buyer. Don’t expect a potential buyer to look any further if your home’s curb appeal doesn’t say “Welcome – Come on in!”
If the outside of your house stops buyers at the curb from coming inside your home for a closer look, then it’s time to change this picture, and get them inside. There are several low cost or even no-cost improvements you can make to spruce up the outside, get buyers out of the car, and through your front door. According to experts, here are some of the best ways to improve curb appeal and help your house sell faster. According to DIY Network, some of these fixes can be done for less than $100. To improve your home and make sure it passes the curb appeal test, here are quick fixes you can easily make during a weekend or even in a day. If your home needs any of these improvements, make them and let’s get your home sold! Some of these simple fixes will also make it easier on a home inspector when they come to do their job and thoroughly inspect your property during the sales process.
A little paint goes a long way. If the paint on the trim, shutters, or exterior is peeling or chipped and you don’t want the expense of painting the entire house, an easy solution is to match your homes existing paint and then paint only those unsightly areas. With paint costing about $30 per gallon and professional painters charging through the roof, this is a great cost-saving solution. Don’t underestimate the focal point of your home, the front door. Make a statement by painting the front door a bold color to leave a memorable impression on prospective buyers and improve curb appeal. Revamp your garage door with a fresh coat of paint or varnish to help it blend into the house and not create a distraction from the rest of the house.
Time to do some cleaning. Spend an afternoon picking up clutter, racking leaves, trimming and cutting the grass, and pulling any unsightly weeds from your garden. Keeping the outside of your home clutter-free, and neatly landscaped is a sure sign to prospective buyers that if you take that much pride in keeping the outside, your pride probably extends to the inside of your home as well. Here are few tips from DIY Network to help you spruce up the outside of your home, improve curb appeal, and sell faster.
What’s the address again? Don’t underestimate the little touches that might impress a buyer. Replacing your existing numbers with modern, curved, or large decal-ed numbers can make an impression. This is easy fix, will cost you just pennies, and little time to complete.
Make it pretty with some flowers. With the right instructions, window boxes can be easy to install. But, if you don’t have time or want the expense, there is a cheaper option that is just as effective in improving curb appeal. Purchase container plants or flowers from any nursery and place them at the front steps or porch to add a punch of color to your home.
Add a few lights and warm it up. Most showings are during the daytime. But, depending on the time of year, for instance the winter months when it gets dark earlier, prospective buyers may drive by after work hours. To get a feel for the neighborhood’s activity when most families are at home, buyers may drive by in the evening. Better Homes and Gardens has some excellent tips on how illuminating your home can make it stand out among the other houses on the block.
You’ve got mail. Another easy fix. With replacement of a new mail box starting around $20 for the box, and it takes less than an hour or so to mount it on your house. If your mailbox is post-mounted, with the extra material costs of the post, it may be slightly more expensive and take more effort to install. Remember, when installing the new mail box make sure you follow the regulations set forth by your city codes for proper installation.
Don’t have them run the gauntlet. Crumbling pathways and sidewalks are a definite eyesore and can also be a safety hazard. Be sure to fix any cracks or uneven sections of your walkway by filling them in with fresh concrete, stones, or bricks.
Drainage isn’t always a bad thing. Repair and clean the leaves and debris from the gutters and downspouts on your home. Replacing gutters and downspouts are among the many expenses that prospective buyers to not want the spend money on. So, before placing your house on the market, make sure gutters and downspouts are in good condition.
Time to upgrade some fixtures. If you don’t have the budget to buy new fixtures, you can always spray paint the metal lamp frames, door knockers, and door knobs a glossy gold, black, or brown. Replace any old lamp fixtures with attractive decorative ones. Install low-voltage lighting fixtures to illuminate pathways and provide security. This will boost your home’s curb appeal and can make a huge impact on selling your home.
If you wash it they will come. A good power wash of your driveway and walkway may be all it needs to turn on the shine. If the house doesn’t need to be painted, a quick power wash on the outside of the house will do wonders. You can easily rent a power washer and clean the outside like the professionals. By doing-it-yourself you keep money in your pocket, improve your home’s curb appeal, and help the home to sell.
To hire the best Home Inspector in Fort Myers, Port Charlotte, Cape Coral, Naples, Estero and Bonita Springs, Florida – Please call West Coast Home Inspection Today! (239) 464-3386
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