When we think about staging, we often don’t think about the exterior of our home, but what if that’s the best place to start? The curb appeal of your home will be the first thing buyers see during their showing that will make a lasting impression on them. A dirty doorway, an overgrown yard, or lackluster landscaping could scare away potential buyers.
So, where do you start? Here’s a list of things that shouldn’t be skipped:
1. Paint Your Front Door
Front doors often get neglected during house prep, but a fresh coat of paint can give your door new life! If the paint on your door is in good shape, make sure you give it a good deep clean and double check that it unlocks and opens smoothly.
(These tips apply to your garage doors, too.)
2. Clean Your Entryway
Sweep away any dirt, leaves, and debris around your entryway and give everything a good spray with your hose. Don’t forget to check for any old cobwebs or bird’s nests hiding in the eaves beneath your porch.
3. Get a New Welcome Mat
Even if your welcome mat “isn’t that dirty”, it’s always a good idea to get a brand new welcome mat before listing your home for sale. This especially applies to you if you have personalized welcome mats; remember, the goal is for buyers to envision themselves in your home, not feel like they’re visiting.
(Go for a classic “Welcome” or neutral wordless design. Avoid any mats with cute or funny sayings.)
4. Hide Yard Tools and Clutter
Pick up any and all yard clutter. This includes things like rakes or gardening tools, kid’s toys, empty planters, old or broken decor, and any items that are personalized to you. If you have a garden hose, be sure it’s either hidden away or neatly coiled against the side of your home.
5. Check Your House Numbers
No one can buy your home if they can’t find it! Make sure your house numbers are large, easy to read, and visible from the street. Repainting faded numbers usually does the trick.
Don’t forget to be sure they are still visible in the dark. If not, consider installing a small solar-powered light above them so that buyers can still find your house during dusk.
6. Add Fresh Mulch To Your Garden
A little bit of fresh mulch spread over the tops of your garden beds will make a world of difference, especially in the winter when your plants aren’t in bloom. Giving the impression that the small things (like your garden beds) are taken care of lets them know the rest of the home is taken care of too.
7. Pull Weeds and Trim Landscaping
Neat and tidy landscaping is incredibly important when it comes to prepping your home for sale. Pull weeds, trim bushes, put down fertilizer in your grass, and remove any withered plants. During the winter, be sure everything has been neatly pruned and any leaves from the Fall have been cleared out so it’s clean and ready for Spring.
8. Clean Light Fixtures
If your porch lights or outdoor fixtures are dirty or worn, clean them well and polish or repaint any metal pieces. Don’t forget new lightbulbs!
If it’s within your budget, replacing old or outdated fixtures always adds to the “clean and new” feeling of your entryway.
9. Add Potted Plants to Your Porch
Adding colorful plants and flowers to your porch or around your front door will make your exterior photos pop online and adds a welcoming feeling for buyers when they arrive for a showing. This works especially well during the colder months!
10. Water Landscaping Regularly
Don’t let all your hard work go to waste! Water all your landscaping regularly while your home is on the market to be sure it stays happy and at its best. There are plenty of irrigation systems that can do this task for you if you have moved away or don’t have the time to keep everything watered.
These small changes can make a huge impact in the way buyers view your home.
If you want to take it a step further and have a little more time and money on your hands, then we suggest sealing your driveway, pressure washing your siding and walkway, and adding solar or motion-activated lights.
A well-maintained exterior speaks volumes and lets buyers know that your home is meticulously cared for. Who wouldn’t want to buy a home that’s been taken care of so well?
Still overwhelmed or don’t know where to start? Contact us for a curb appeal consultation. We’re happy to help!
We were featured in a Redfin article! Check it out here: 20 Tips to Increase Curb Appeal Before Selling | Redfin, powered by Rocket
