Curb Appeal: Will It Make Or Break Your Deal?

We all know what they say about first impressions…right? Well, when it comes to selling your home, that ‘love at first sight’ may also determine if that buyer is ready to put in the fight. Just because inventory is low does not mean that sellers don’t have to try. Setting the stage for success is about attracting dedicated and seriously ‘smitten’ buyers. A home that appears well-maintained, meticulously cared for and truly appreciated is much more likely to attract the same. In other words, a little curb appeal goes a long way to maintaining the integrity of your home and maximizing your return on investment.

According to the National Association of Realtors®, nearly 90% of homebuyers start their search on the web and 63% of homebuyers drop by after they have viewed a home online. And what’s almost always the first photo you see? Tthe front of your home. Areas to note when preparing to sell your home are: the driveway, entry way, front yard, front-facing windows and sidewalk. Don’t forget about lighting (potential buyers may drive by at night), clearly and cleanly painted house numbers and a warm, welcoming doormat. If anything appears to need attention via cleaning, repair or replacement – now is the time.

Perspective counts too. Note that your home will look different in photographs online and will be often be viewed on mobile devices. An experienced real estate agent will showcase your home in its best light by working with a professional photographer on the best time of day and best possible perspectives to truly capture your home. You see your home every day; your realtor sees other homes every day. Trust us that we have your best interests at heart by making suggestions that will help your home stand out among the competition.

Given the goals that our sellers are hoping to achieve, we understand that cost is an important consideration as well. We never want our seller to lose time or money, but we always want them to be proud of when and how we present their home. There are some affordable and efficient tricks of the trade that will balance your budget while creating curb appeal. From pressure washing siding and decks to leading the eye through walkways, we have some minimum cost and maximum impact ideas at top of mind. If you’ve read our 10-step seller process, you know that property preparation is a large part of our commitment to you and achieving your ultimate goal with the sale of your home.

Last but not least…we wanted to share this fun and informative infographic from the California Association of Realtors, which reminds us that curb appeal isn’t always about looks; there are several exterior improvements that are actually environmentally sound and beneficial to your health. Who knew?!

If you’d like a complimentary consultation on how we’d prepare your home for sale, (and what type of difference those recommendations would make) feel free to give us a call. Let us put our experience at your fingertips…and in your pocket for your next place to call home.

Warm regards,

Mark & Jason

team@homesofsv.com

Resources Used: National Association of Realtors®, California Association of Realtors® & HGTV®.