Hi! I’m David Lupberger with Servicemagic.com.
Many of us have lived so long with the flaws on our house, but we just can’t see it anymore. But if a stranger comes to our home, their first impression might be of that very same flaws. This can be devastating if you’re attempting to sell your home. Creating a strong first impression from the street, curb appeal is essential.
Peeling paint, weeds, clutter, all things that could make your house the talk of the neighborhood. In fact, in the recent ServiceMagic poll, 63% of those responding said they have a neighbor they wished cared more about their curb appeal. And the range of project to help your home’s curb appeal means you can always find something to do with your budget like landscaping. Great landscaping is going to impress potential buyers as they look at your home for the first time. Pulling weeds, mowing, and planting flowers, are low cost projects that could make a vast improvement. And if you want to even go a little further, having a landscaper to plan or create a lawn renovation will likely make you and neighbors happy.
Another inexpensive way to improve first impressions, the front porch view. Think about potential buyers and real estate agents as they are opening the front door, there is a good 20 or 30 seconds for the buyer to look around as the agent unlock the front door. What are they seeing? Do the door and the window sill needs painting? Is the porch clean? Are there torn screens? This short time period will cement a buyer’s perception of how well you’ve maintained your home.
This is where paint can do a lot of good, and if your house needs it, consider painting the whole house that’s the change you can see from the street. Another curb appeal improvement, new siding, specifically fiber cement siding that over time could be one of the best project for getting return in your investment. Fiber cement is more expensive than vinyl but more durable and less likely to fade. New siding is an attractive way to protect your investment and improve curb appeal.
Even if the ceiling is not coming down around your head, take a long hard look of your roof. Buyers will often ask how old roof is, they want to make sure they are not any issues with curling asphalt tiles. Roofs are often the point of discussion when it comes to home inspections and the eventual sale. Finally, are your windows up to date? Buyers are easily turn off by old windows that give the house an outdated and unclean feel. Especially watch for dual paned window that have moisture trap between them. It is something you might be used to, but someone seeing your home for the first time will want a clearer view. Whether you’re getting your home ready to sell or just ready to live in some more, there are many more ways to improve your curb appeal.
For additional suggestions and to find a prescreen professional to help you move beyond those ideas check out Servicemagic.com. Home improvement. Hassle free.