Do you know what you want in your next home, particularly the exterior amenities of the home? You may want to take the time to drive through neighborhoods  or do “drive bys” online in the beginning stages of your home search. It’ll give you an idea of the type of home you are drawn to (bi-level, split-level, ranch, craftsman, etc.); garage space available for your lawn equipment or summer or winter toys; siding and soffit color choices you like or don’t like; the size of the yard you want for your family or the amount of lawn you want or don’t want to maintain.  How about the landscaping in the yard?  Are you a do-it-yourselfer or do you want the landscaping in place when you move in?  What about trees?  Are they important to you or do you only want one or two of them in the yard?

There are many questions that need answers when you purchase a home, and these questions just pertain to the exterior of the property. You’ll notice, as you are looking at homes, that the exterior view of the property will either draw you in or you’ll find yourself moving quickly onto the next home depending on the impression that property leaves on you.

As a seller, the  buyer’s impression of your property as they drive up to your home is their first impression of your property, and if your home’s curb appeal makes a great first impression, potential homebuyers will want to see what’s inside.  Take the time to look at your home’s exterior, including your yard.   A day or afternoon of trimming and weeding will change the look and feel of your yard and your home and create a positive image and feeling for the prospective buyer.  Dress up the front door; replace old hardware (house numbers, entry door lockset, wall mounted mailboxes, etc).   A couple pots or urns of your favorite flowers will also add a welcoming feel to your home’s exterior.

If you don’t know where to begin with trimming your shrubs, go to your local nursery to get info and tips or search online. Renew your flower beds; pull weeds and add some annuals for a splash of color. Remove cobwebs from rarely used doorways and windows. Clean up debris from rarely used sidewalks so the buyer can walk freely around the house to check out the exterior and get a feel for the back yard.  Trim weeds close to the buildings and fence lines. Power wash your home’s exterior if it’s really dirty.  It’s amazing how much newer the siding will look.

Does your yard have lots of trees?  Do they have dead branches that could be easily trimmed or removed?  If you have used mulch in certain areas of your yard, is it possible to freshen these areas with new mulch?

Remember, all the maintenance, trimming, and care you take in preparing your home for sale will pay off in the photos of your home. Buyers need to be drawn in to want to go to the next step, which is to come into your home.

Next month’s blog: First Impressions after opening the Front Door

Berni Halaas, REALTOR®
New Century Real Estate and
Interiors by Berni
“Going above and beyond to make YOUR DREAMS come true.”