CURB APPEAL-STAGING THE OUTSIDE OF YOUR HOME

Remember everything you’ve ever heard about first impressions as you prepare your home for sale. That impression starts the moment a potential buyer pulls up to your curbside.

Although the inside of your home has been spit-polished and is ready for review, your realtor has reminded you that unless you’re thinking of making a planter out of the lawn mower, you need to remove it from sight.  That, along with a long list of other things to create an appeal that entices a prospective buyer to come inside.

The same principles of home staging apply to the exterior of your house as you have done for the interior – Clean – De-clutter – Organize!

CLEAN (AND REPAIR)

After you’ve rented the power washer and hosed down the doors, shutters and siding, wash all the windows until they sparkle.  Don’t forget the driveway and sidewalks, as well. 

Don’t stop now!  Trim the bushes, cut the lawn and pull the weeds (every week) and remove all the dead brush from around your house.  And when you’re finished, check the paint for peeling and replace or repair loose gutters and roof tiles.  Finally, give a fresh coat of paint to chipped or faded doors, windows and gutters.

DECLUTTER and ORGANIZE

Make sure the garbage cans, mower, sprinklers and hoses are put away after use.  Also, have the kids pick up their bicycles and toys.  (It’s a good idea if the dog picks up after himself too.) 

NOW, CREATE YOUR STAGE 

Flowerpots at the door offer a warm welcome.  Consider painting the front door a bright color for a dramatic entrance.  Set up your outdoor patio or porch with furniture, flowers, and candles to set a stage of hospitality.  Next, add exterior lighting to highlight exceptional garden features, a walkway, or other lovely exterior elements.

Although your house now looks like no one actually lives there, it will have the appearance of extraordinary organization, maintenance and beauty – the realtor’s definition of curb appeal.