Curb appeal is like the first impression on a blind date. You see your date across the room, you notice their features, their attire and whether they exude confidence or despair. You form your first impression before even a word is spoken.
When you are looking to buy or sell your home, you want to do everything in your power to improve the first impression you make to attract the highest number of interested buyers possible.
If you are considering selling your home, you can help your curb appeal with a few simple improvements. If you’re in need of a larger makeover, you might require some additional support from a variety of trades.
It’s important to keep in mind that the first photo on your listing is your front exterior. It’s the key shot that will attract your buyer. You want to immediately convey that your property is well cared for and won’t require a significant investment from the new owner.
The door: Is it freshly painted in an appealing and welcoming colour? Red, white, blue or black match most brick, and a fresh coat of paint is an easy step that even those who are less-than-handy can do on their own. Other attractive (but pricier) options include purchasing a new glass door, or a door with glass panels that will have the added benefit of letting more light into the foyer.
The landscaping: Are you likely to receive a nomination from your local resident’s association for your green thumb? Having some bright coloured flowers or green brushes will ensure that your front yard looks like it was designed by a professional (whether or not it was). Most people don’t want to take on a signifiant burden of gardening, but a few choice plants or well-placed bushes will soften the front and stay green year round. We recommend yew or a lovely Japanese Maple.
The windows: Whether you are looking to sell a heritage home or a newer home constructed in the last decade, windows are an important consideration when selling. Has the seal around the window cracked and there’s obvious moisture being let in? Is the paint chipped and peeling? Are they original construction windows that cheapen the look of your front? Windows are not an inexpensive investment, but they will feature prominently in the photos and are something that potential buyers will note if outdated as an added expense for them to replace.
The extras: Have you installed an attractive exterior light, some flower pots with bright and cheery flowers or greenery? Is there space for outdoor furniture or a welcome mat? What window finishings do you have to help soften the front from the inside? These are other things you might consider.
In competitive home markets, real estate agents are becoming expert advisors on the art and science of preparing a home for sale and making it as saleable as quickly as possible. Agents like David Batori in the busy Allenby area bring home staging experts to your residence to help ensure that these details are taken care of before the listing photos are taken. Agents like Ron Reaman have lived through their own renovations and know the value and power of making some select investments to sell your home.
You want to ensure that your home makes a positive first impression and that your buyers can easily see themselves at home in your house without lifting a finger.
If you take care of these details, your home will exude confidence and transform a blind date into a lasting relationship.
IMAGES 1) HGTV, Home Adore; 2) Sparkle Meets Pop, Fresh Home, Southern Hospitality; 3) Beneath My Heart, Marcus Design Inc, Ultralinx
