Curb Appeal

You've seen it ... the creepy "haunted" house, with chipped paint, shutters hanging precariously from one hinge, and cats yowling from somewhere inside the overgrown lawn. Needless-to-say, the house does not proclaim "curb appeal." "Curb appeal" entices us with clean, fresh paint, a well-manicured yard and a front entry way that smiles and says, "Welcome home."

Before prospective buyers even consider going inside your home, the outside must pass the stringent "curb appeal" test. Improve your home's curb appeal, and you'll increase your chances of selling your home sooner and for a higher price.

Prior to putting your home on the market, check the condition of your home's exterior and make needed repairs. If your home needs painting, select a neutral color that blends well with other homes in the neighborhood. Perhaps painting just the trim, front door and garage door may be the only thing needed to give your home an inviting, well-cared-for look.

Pay special attention to your front door. Give it a fresh coat of paint and see that the doorknob and locks are bright and shiny. Replace locks if they are tarnished and worn or do not work properly.

Make sure your yard is neat. Store toys, tools and trash cans out of sight. Colorful flowers in bloom around your front entrance offer a cheery spring and summer invitation, while a wreath of dried flowers on your front door adds a cozy, cheerful welcome in the fall and winter.

When the exterior of your home offers charming curb appeal, prospective buyers will have no trepidations about coming inside. Staging homes is my specialty. If you're thinking of selling, I'll be happy to give you suggestions on how to make your home shine.