CURB APPEAL CHECKLIST
Most buyers form an opinion on whether they like a house or not before they step foot in the front door. The interior is important to the home, but you want to draw the buyer in after they step out of the car. The fastest selling properties have a WOW factor.
Here is a checklist to improve your curb appeal. First, stand across the street, or look at your home from afar, and see your home as a new buyer. What do you notice? New buyers like bright, clean and neat homes. Here are some improvements that you can start with to perk up your curb appeal.
- Weed the garden
- Check the condition of the grass – ensure that it green and lush with no bald patches.
- Trim shrubs and trees
- Rake the leaves from your lawn
- Sweep and/or powerhose the sidewalks, walkways, porch, driveway and patio
- Remove oil spots from your driveway
- Mend gates and fences. Add oil to the hinges, allow it to swing freely open or close easily.
- Clean out the gutters
- Check the roof condition and cleanliness. Remove any leaves or pine needles or tree branches that hang over the top. [I can’t tell you how many buyers often look at roof when I show them a home. If it looks old or misshapen, the first thing they do is to tell me that they want the roof expense deducted from the sale price if they make an offer.]
- Check the windows and trim for cleanliness – maybe it needs a paint touch up
- Dust out any cobwebs around your home and plants – entry porch light, windows, side gates, walkways and sliding door area.
- Clean and shine the doorbell and/or door knocker
- Air-out dust or replace the doormat
- Mow the lawn
- Paint your home. This improvement is so underrated. Not only it makes your home look good, but it adds protection of layer from the weather elements.
- Stand back, and see if your yard needs color – if so, add some new colorful plants and flowers
Now ask a friend or a neighbor to look at it. What is the first thing he thinks of when he sees it? This will give you an honest assessment and give you pointers on what you can further improve on.
When you are ready to sell, call us at Evo21 Real Estate – Annaliza Apostol 714.349.5369 or Ruud Noordzij 714.349.3656
