First impressions are critical in a job interview, a first date, and especially in real estate! The average home buyer gets their first impression of your home as they pull into the driveway and get out to walk to the front door. Typically, this happens within the first 8 to 12 seconds.
Curb appeal can get the buyer excited to see the inside of your home! It sets the mood and mindset for the rest of the showing.
Consider these two scenarios:
#1. A buyer pulls into your driveway and notices first the trash bins sitting in front of the garage door. Next, they see neglected flower beds and small limbs littering the yard. As they approach the front door, they notice chipping, peeling paint on the porch railings.
#2. A buyer pulls into your drive and is greeted by colorful flower beds with fresh mulch. The driveway and walk to the front door are edged and clean. The front door itself is a welcoming, vibrant color.
The first scenario has set the stage for the buyer to be wondering about deferred maintenance on the home – inside and out. They wonder what else beyond eyesight is wrong. The home will take some time, work, and money to bring it back to life.
In the second scenario, the buyer is smiling from the first few moments and can’t wait to get inside and see the rest of the home. Pride in ownership is obvious and they want this feeling when they come home!
You don’t need to dump thousands of dollars into it, just some elbow grease and a few bucks can make a huge difference.
Our Suggestions for Curb Appeal Improvements
- Clean out the flower beds, plant affordable flowers, and cover with mulch. This is definitely welcoming to all visitors!
- Pick up any limbs and blow away leaves and debris to keep pathways clear. Even washing down the sidewalks can make a huge difference.
- At the front door, consider a new coat of paint. Most front doors could use new paint after a few years of sun, wind, and rain. It really freshens it up for little cost.
- Stage the porch – if your porch is big enough, add chairs or an outdoor loveseat along with a table. Help the buyer picture themselves there on a warm summer night with their favorite beverage. If it’s more of a stoop-style porch, add a couple of urns or flower pots on either side. This is also very welcoming!
- Clean the windows – both outside and inside. This makes them reflect the sunshine on the outside and lets the natural light flood your home on the inside. Super simple!
First impressions are Team Honeycutt’s specialty! They walk beside you and create a plan specifically for your home…to list AND sell quickly.
Planning to visit? Tell ’em Cabarrus Weekly sent ya!
