Maximize Your Curb Appeal

When you’re selling your home, first impressions are everything. A prospective buyer will decide in a single glance if they want to consider purchasing your home, or even step inside and take a look. How does your home look at first glance? Stand on the sidewalk in front of your home and take a good long look. Do you like what you see? Will anyone else?

What you do with your front garden, walkway and entrance will help you tempt the most discerning househunter. Follow these guidelines to ensure your property has plenty of curb appeal.

Drive by

Compare your home to the others on the street. How does it measure up? Is the yard clean and well-kept? Do the eaves and trim have a crisp, clean appearance? How are the exterior paint and roof holding up? Pick out the nicest house on the street and take note of any features or items that you can emulate on your own property – without appearing too obvious, of course.

A clean sweep

No matter what the season, ensure sidewalks, driveways and pathways are free of garden debris and litter. That goes for eaves and porches too. When’s the last time you cleaned the exterior extensively? As for the interior, think of it as when you first enter a hotel room - pristine, very neat, colourful,pleasant odour and practically nothing out of order! 

Night vision

Don’t forget about what your home’s exterior looks like once the sun sets. Savvy home buyers have been known to swing by properties of interest at all hours. Is your front yard still inviting in the dark? Are walkways well lit? It could be as simple as changing your front porch fixture or adding some solar-powered garden lights to give your yard some evening appeal.

Wild life

A prospective buyer should not be aware that you own a pet just by looking at your lawn. Birdfeeders, while appreciated by wildlife, should be moved during an open house to keep the yard neat and stop squirrels and sparrows from jumping out at passersby. Be sure to keep personal items such as sports equipment, toys and other items tucked away as well.