How Sellers Can Enhance a Home’s Curb Appeal to Lure Buyers

luxury-mansion-house-frontEveryone knows the importance of making a good first impression. Well, the same is true for your home. The front yard, front door, and drive way can make a major impression on buyers, so if you’re selling your home, make sure it has excellent curb appeal.

Curb appeal is important in luring buyers who are driving around a particular neighborhood looking for a new home or those browsing for homes online. The National Association of Realtors estimates that 63% of homebuyers will stop by a home that they like online.

But it doesn’t just get people to stop and look. It also encourages offers. Once they’ve decided they like how the home looks, buyers are more likely to overlook something they don’t like (like the size of the guest bathroom or the amount of natural light coming in).

Here are some ways that you can enhance your home’s curb appeal to better attract buyers:

Take Great Photos 

Nearly 90% of homebuyers begin their search online, so great photos are vital in attracting their attention so that they schedule a viewing.

Always show off your home in its best light, and overcast days are often the best times to take pictures. Carefully look over the photos as if you were the buyer—what would you find appealing or not appealing? Make sure there’s no clutter and that the home is neatly arranged. As a side-note, this is why we always hire a professional photographer for our listings.

Scope Out the Home’s Exterior

Pretend you’re a potential buyer and walk around the outside of your home. Look your house over from all sides and take notes about what you see—the good and the bad. You may be used to the cracked sidewalk or chipped paint, but first-time visitors may notice these things immediately and find them unappealing.

A fresh set of eyes can be valuable in enhancing your curb appeal. We can give you some recommendations on what may need to be done. It’s going to be worth having your home, driveway and any pavers power washed to make sure its exterior is spotless and make any necessary roof repairs.

Landscape the Lawn 

Your front yard is one of the most important parts of curb appeal, so before you put your house on the market, you may need to do some serious yard work. A manicured lawn with neat flower beds and well-trimmed trees will ensure your home gets the attention it deserves. Be sure to cut back any overgrown shrubs, repair any dead patches in your yard, get rid of weeds, and clean up any paths.

Details Matter 

When it comes to curb appeal, details really matter. Make sure your house numbers are clean and easy to see—and that they match the style of your house. Consider adding some window boxes or potted plants and flowers to your front porch. Consider painting the front door a bright color. And, always open all of the blinds, curtains, or shutters. This makes your home appear bright and welcoming from the street.

These details may seem minor, but they are some inexpensive ways to make your home stand out in the market.

If you have any specific questions about boost your home’s curb appeal, feel free to give us a call at 305-329-7744 even if you’re not quite ready to put your home on the market.