Roadside Wild Flowers Sundrops

When you prepare your property to show, always begin with the outside and work your way in. Prospective buyers will see the outside first, before they even get out of their realtor's car, so it's essential that your home has "drive-up appeal". Begin by viewing your house from their perspective. Stand on the curb across the street, have a good look at your property, and compare it to the surrounding homes. Concentrate on the three areas discussed below.

Landscaping How does your landscaping measure up to the rest of the homes in the neighbourhood? If it is below-average, you'll need to make some changes.

Add some greenery. Consider buying bushes to plant around the property. However, you should not buy trees. Mature trees are expensive and you probably won't see a return on the investment you make in them. Smaller less mature trees may be less expensive, but they won't significantly improve the current appearance of the property. Too much greenery? Find the pruning shears! Remember that landscaping should complement and enhance the appearance of the home, not hide it. Shrubbery should be no higher than the bottom of the windows. If there is any ivy clinging to the side of the house, remove it. Make sure that tree limbs are high enough that you can walk beneath them, and that low branches don't bar the way. The appearance of the lawn is important too. Cut and water the lawn as often as necessary to keep it looking freshly cut and with an even colour. Take care of any brown spots well before putting your house on the market. Re-sod where necessary, far enough in advance of listing your home so the sod has enough time to grow and match the healthier parts of the lawn. Fertilizer should also be applied early enough that it has time to take effect before prospective buyers arrive. And don't forget to rake up leaves and grass cuttings. Brighten things up with some flowers. The first impression of your property will be enhanced by some flowers. Purchase a full flat of mature, colourful flowers- petunias or periwinkles are a good choice because they last through the growing season. Don't spend your money on bulbs or seeds. They probably won't grow enough to achieve the desired effect by the time you begin showing your home. If you don't have flower beds, use various sizes and shapes of pots, plant them with flowers or blooming plants, and display them on your porch. Is there a swimming pool on your property? Make sure it's sparkling clean and free of leaves and other debris.

House Exterior

Is it time to paint? How does your house look from across the street? Does it look weathered or faded? If it does, it's probably time for a fresh coat of paint. A fresh paint job does wonders to increase the drive-up appeal and the perceived value of the home-which makes it a very good investment. Please don't use unusual colours or colours that are too bright. The new colour should fit in with colours of the other homes in the area, and be appropriate for the style and structure of your house. Have a good look at the roof. Examine the roof carefully. If the roof is old or leaks, it needs to be replaced. You'll have to disclose the leaks to prospective buyers anyway, and they will expect you to replace it. However, if there isn't any apparent damage, wait and see what the home inspector finds before making possibly unnecessary, costly repairs.

Front Door and Porch

Brighten up the front door and porch to welcome buyers! Since the porch, the front door, and the surrounding area will be the buyer's first close-up impression when they enter your house, these areas should look especially fresh and welcoming. If you paint nothing else, put a fresh coat of paint on the front door. If the doorbell is broken, replace it, and polish the door knob to a shine! Wash the mail box too. Throw out the old doormat and get an attractive, clean replacement. And don't forget to keep the porch swept! Paying attention to all these little details will enhance the impression of a well-cared-for and welcoming home. Make sure the front door lock works properly. Ensure that the front door key fits properly and the lock works smoothly. When a homebuyer visits your house, the realtor will open the front door with a key. You won't make the desired impression if the buyer's first experience is waiting on the doorstep while the realtor fumbles with the lock!

A potential buyer's first impression of your property is as important as anything, and you only get one chance to make a good first impression. Most of our suggestions require very little money, and just a bit of effort, but can make all the difference in the first impression your home.

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