First Impressions: When Selling Your Home

Ever hear the phrase "You can never change a first impression"?  Not only does this apply to you when meeting people, it also applies to your home when attempting to sell it.  The curb appeal your home portrays is the first impression buyers have when looking at your home.  Even if the inside of the house is not as well presented, it is very hard to change their first impression, if the exterior is not cared for.

Curb appeal extends much further than tending to a yard, planting flowers, or trimming trees.  Curb appeal extends to the house as well.  The following are 6 things you can do to catch the eye of buyers and make that first impression one they will remember:

1. Front Door-  The focal point of any home is the front door.  Having a door with cracked paint or worn out hardware leads the buyer to think 'Do they really take care of their home?'.  Replacing the door is the best option.  However, if funds are tight, a fresh coat of paint and replacing the hardware is a suitable option.
2. Windows-  It is a must that windows are cleaned on the inside AND outside.  To make views appear more clear try removing screens and storing them in the attic or garage.  Be sure shudders are not fading or cracked.  If so adding a fresh coat of paint or replacing them altogether is necessary.
3. Garage-  Depending on the condition of the garage door, painting and or replacing are the options.  If the door has chipped or flaking paint a new coat might solve the problem.  If the new paint only band aids the problem a new door might be your only option.  Typically garage doors cost $1,000-$2,000 but have proven to be one of the best returns on investment seller's can get.  On average, sellers, recoup nearly 73% of that investment.
4. Driveway- Driveways are often covered in oil stains or cracks.  These can cause potential buyers to go running for the hills as costs to resurface a driveway can cost $2,000.  Premixed concrete can be used to patch up cracks.  Cracks 1/4" or smaller can usually be filled with concrete purchased in a caulking tube.  For oil stains a common fix is using kitty litter.  If this old wives tale doesn't work most hardware stores have products to clean these eye sores as well.
5. After Dark-  Just because it is dark out does not mean people do not look at your home.  Buyers will often drive through a neighborhood in the evening to view homes on their own without the pressure of an agent.  Keeping interior lights, on a timer, often create a warm glow from the curb.  Having a few outdoor lamps, aimed at the house or nice tree has a lot of impact.  If you do not have outlets in the area for exterior lights, solar powered lights are a great alternative and easy to install.

Source:  Realtor Magazine, Melissa Dittman Tracey 2012