Staging From the Curb to the Front Door

First impressions are important. I cannot stress that enough. From the moment a prospective buyer drives up to your home, they are making a subconscious decision – how much they like your home.  Many buyers refuse to even get out of the car if they don’t like their first impression of the home. How would you feel arriving at this home? The buyer’s decision may be made right then.

For a quick test, walk across the street and take a look at your home. Often we drive into our driveways without even a glance.  View your home the way prospective buyers will.  Here’s how to “put your best foot forward”:

Ten Tips for Top Notch Curb Appeal: Does Your Home Look Inviting?

1.    Are shrubs overgrown?  Do the shrubs accent the home or hide it? Trimming shrubs below windows helps frame the home, rather than hide it.

2.    Trees: Trees provide shade for a home and can enhance the appearance IF properly trimmed.  A professional is your best choice. Trees that hide a home may make the home look dark and onerous, rather than inviting.  A healthy tree is one that is properly trimmed to allow sunlight to filter through.

3.    Freshly mulch all beds with a dark mulch, but keep mulch approximately one foot away from slabs. That one foot is a great place for gravel with or what is commonly called bull rock. Inspectors frown on mulch too close to the weep holes – it’s an invitation for termites. On that subject, don’t get too liberal with ant bait around the slab; the fire ant is actually the natural enemy of the termite!

4.    Pressure wash driveways and sidewalks.

5.    Keep lawn art, toys and lawn equipment out of sight. Roll hoses up neatly.

6.    Clean interior and exterior windows, screens and tracks.

7.    If any part of the exterior of the home needs repainting or repair – do it!

8.    If there is a pool, make sure it sparkles and put away any unnecessary pool equipment.

9.    Plant colorful annuals in flowerbeds; one or two potted plants by the front door and a welcoming wreath are fresh touches you can add simply.

10. Always make sure the front door is clean – clean & oil wood stained doors or freshly paint doors.  Sometimes a bright color on the front door gives the home the “pop” it needs.  I listed and staged a home that had been on the market quite a while with another Realtor; went through these 10 steps with the owner (and their handyman) and painted the front door a cheery red. The home sold in 23 days.

Remember – curb appeal can make or break a sale.