Most folks think about staging and improving the interior of their home to get it ready to sell. However, staging the exterior of your home is just as important. You will want to stage it to increase your home value and help increase your chances for a quick sale. Here are a couple key tips to make it happen:
Inviting Curb Appeal
Nothing makes a house more welcoming than fabulous curb appeal. When potential buyers drive or walk up to your home, they want to see that it's inviting, clean and in good condition. Curb appeal is the first thing buyers see, so you want to make everything look its best.
Start With the Roof and Work Down
Buyers and their agents will look at the roof when walking up to a house. Make sure it is free of any large branches or debris. Replace any loose or missing shingles. Give it a good power-washing to remove any mildew, moss or dirt. After the roof is finished, continue to power-wash the exterior siding. Have the outside of your windows cleaned to make them look bright and clear. Finish by washing down your porch, deck, patio, walkways, sidewalks and driveway as well.
Paint or Stain the Areas That Need Attention
If you have wood siding and it's peeling or has areas that are starting to rot, it's a good idea to have it repaired and stained before you list your house. Also paint any wood shutters, window trim, soffits and fascia if they need it. Finally, a fresh coat of paint on the front door will do wonders.
Beautify Your Landscaping
Next on the list is trimming your trees and bushes. Be sure trees aren't hanging over the roof. Trim trees and bushes away from the house so the siding and foundation can be seen easily. Remove weeds or dead debris from your landscaping beds. Put down a new coat of mulch or ad a fresh layer of your current landscaping material. Plant flowers in your landscaping beds or pots to add color to your curb appeal. Remove weeds from your lawn and keep it mowed.
Do You Need a New Mailbox?
If your mailbox is rusty, has a failing post or needs painting or repair, give it a new foundation and a fresh coat of paint. Again, it's the small details of something not up to par with a house that will often turn off potential buyers.
Make Sure Your Exterior Lighting Works
Walk around the house in the evening to ensure all exterior light fixtures are properly working. Replace light-bulbs that aren't working or not throwing off enough light. Consider adding inexpensive solar up-lighting to add ambiance to your early evening showings.
Stage Your Front Porch, Deck or Balcony
If you have a front porch, deck or balcony stage them for an inviting appeal. Ideal for a front porch or balcony is a small decorative table with two chairs. Add a pot of flowers to the table, a plant or two to the floor and a couple of colorful pillows to the chairs.
Staging and improving the exterior of your home will greatly improve your curb appeal. It will also increase your home value and improve your chances for a quicker sale.
