Curb Appeal: It’s Important

Home sellers spend so much time preparing their interior for the sale that they can easily overlook the outside. Great curb appeal invites prospective buyers to view the rest of the property. In fact, it can increase the value of a property by as much as 15-20%.

Start with the basics: A well-manicured lawn is a magnet for buyers. Overgrown trees or large bushes hiding the house are a definite no-no. Don’t forget to rake leaves, wash windows and skylights, clean gutters and trim shrubs.

For the winter season less is more. Stay away from the large inflatables in your front yard and opt for a strategically-placed wreath with accent lighting. Don't forget to keep the drive and walkway shoveled and clear of snow and ice. Winter buyers are serious buyers. Aim to make their experience as pleasant as possible.

Don’t overlook the details: Consider adding flowers or sprucing things up with decorative grasses or Japanese maples. Accent trees with rocks or boulders to make a bold statement. Or how about adding a modest fountain to the yard or garden? Add low voltage lighting to highlight the yard, trees and the home’s exterior.

Sometimes it’s the little, inexpensive things that can make a real difference. Do something as simple as adding a new mailbox, address numbers on your home, a new welcome mat and some potted plants by the front door.

Remember, first impressions are often the most important.

Chris Bergin is a licensed real estate agent with Berkshire Hathaway Lucien Realty in Lakewood and can be reached at Chris@ChrisBergin.com

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Volume 11, Issue 25, Posted 2:24 PM, 12.08.2015