So many home sellers believe that what the outside of their home looks like isn’t as important as the inside of their home. The internet provides home owners the option of looking a home, through pictures and now, video. However, many homeowners don’t take the time to showcase the outside of their home. I am not saying that you need to have an outdoor patio with stone pizza oven and waterfall, but just doing some very simple things can turn and a boring outside into something that will draw the attention as potential buyers looking at your home online or driving around your neighborhood.
Garage Doors
Your garage door provide the largest opening into your home,
yet so many homes have very simple boring raised panel doors, that usually match
the color of the home; thus, giving the home a very monochromatic look (a.k.a.
boring). Consider the following ideas to add some pizzazz and character; making
your home stand out.
- Decorative hardware
- Rod-iron handles or decorate hardware can add a little character
- Color
- Give your garage door a face-lift by adding just a splash of color
- Trim
- Look at the trim around your garage door is it chipped or cracked. Replacing these pieces not only gives your home a fresh look but it also tells potential home buyers that you take care of your home.
- Garage door.
- A little investment can add a lot. There are so many different types of garage doors out there that can add a lot of character. Whether you want a carriage house look or something a little more modern; the choices are endless.
Shrubbery
If your home is completely bare, investing in a few small
shrubs can definitely add an element of dimension to your lawn. However, not
everyone has a “green-thumb” so if you are adding shrubs consider ones that do
not require a lot of maintenance.
If your home is completely bare, investing in a few small
shrubs can definitely add an element of dimension to your lawn. However, not
everyone has a “green-thumb” so if you are adding shrubs consider ones that do
not require a lot of maintenance.
If you do have shrubs, are they trimmed or so tall that you
can’t even see into the front window? I am not saying that your shrubs need to
be in the shape of an elephant or statue, but are they at least cleaning
trimmed? Are they filled with dead leaves?
Lighting
Do you have sconces on the outside of your home? Are they
proportionate? Do you have a really small door but a huge light or visa versa?
Are the bulbs burnt out? Are they properly secured to your home? To they match
the rest of your hardware?
Mailbox
Ok. I know that it might sound strange but look at your
mailbox. Is it falling apart? Is it standing straight? Do you have a big fish
or truck as the actual box? If you answered yes to any of these questions, it
looks like your mail box may need a “make over”. There are a variety of mailbox
kits that are easy to assemble. Landscaping trim
When we purchased our home the landscaping trim was created
with wood railroad ties. They looked ok. We eventually removed them and did
stamped-concrete trim. It doesn’t really matter what you choose to use, as long
as you make sure that it looks good and is maintained.
·
A fresh coat of stain or paint on wood trim
·
Rust removed from anything metal
·
Plastic pieces replaced if they are cracked or
broken
Entrance/Porch
As potential home buyers are walking up to your front door,
what will they find? Cob webs around the door? What does your welcome look
like? A mat that is either falling apart or has a humorous message may reflect your
sense of humor but may offend someone else and can turn off that buyer. Look
around and check for the following:
Driveway
- Does your key work easily in your door and/or deadbolt? Add a little graphite. Having an agent struggle at getting into your home may make that buyer just walk away.
- Sweep up the dirt/cob webs.
- Wash the door and/or window(s) that may be around your entrance
- Keep your porch furniture clean
- If you have flower pots, deadhead any buds to ensure that someone is only seeing the freshest of blooms.
- Check the door trim, is it chipping?
- Can a fresh coat of paint on the trim and/or door enhance the look?
Driveway
I know that someone isn’t going to pull up a blacktop
driveway and add a concrete one, but you can add a coat of black top yourself
to give it a fresh look? Some other things you can do are as simple as:
- Sweep the debris
- Remove weeks from cracks
- Edge along the side of the driveway or walk-way
- Clean oil stains
If you notice I didn't mention anything about the paint or
siding on your home. That is a large investment and one that you need to
consider. I am just trying to provide you some of the little things that
someone can do to enhance your curb appeal. Doing one or two of these things
can make the difference.
Leslie Mueller, Realtor
Keller Williams Preferred Realty
www.twincity-realty.com 
