In a market where sellers are in competition to make the most out of their largest investment, improving your home’s first impression is one of the best ways to set it apart from the rest of the pack.
When prospective buyers or renters drive through your neighbourhood, what do they see?
This is an important question that sellers need to answer because it will help understand what a buyer is going to be looking for in a new home.
Once you’ve answered this, ask yourself objectively if the front of your home is in keeping with the rest of the houses on your block. The first impression is critical in setting the mood for prospective agents and buyers.
If your home’s exterior looks like it needs work, then people immediately assume that it’s a ‘fixer-upper.’ The opposite is true if your front yard is manicured, the roof is in good shape and the driveway is in good condition.
Having a potential buyer walk into your front door in a positive mode can translate into big dollars for you.
So where do you spend the money?
Set your budget and be realistic about what you’re trying to accomplish with it.
Keep in mind that you are trying to create an excellent first impression to attract potential buyers. This isn’t the opportunity for you to realize your landscaping dreams. Consider a new paint job using a colour scheme that highlights the character of your home.
Install a new front door or at least update your door’s hardware. Even something as simple as full and healthy planters can make a favourable impact.
One of the easiest ways to improve curb appeal is to have a clean and tidy front yard with a manicured lawn.
Perhaps this is the opportunity to invest in some new tools to help do the job properly. The best part about this type of investment is that not only will your plants and lawn look better with edging, pruning and cutting, you also get to take your new tools with you once you’ve sold your home.
A quick prune of the shrubs with the hedge trimmer, followed by a ‘once-around’ with the string trimmer and then tidying up with the sweeper will help maintain the front yard.
The goal is to create an emotional connection at the first glance of any prospective buyer, so before you put that sign on the lawn, spend enough time at the curb.
– www.newscanada.com