Have you ever driven by a house and asked yourself,“What WERE they thinking?” Curb appeal and first impressions matter more than you might imagine. Clients will skip even looking at a house based on the exterior. On the other hand, buyers will flock to a house that is totally inviting. That’s how much curb appeal can influence buyers…… and a home’s marketability.

Your mother was right when she said, “You don’t have a second chance to make a good first impression.” The National Association of Realtors annual report, Cost vs Value, says that replacing a garage door will return 96.1% of the approximately $3,900 cost. The second highest home improvement project return is replacing siding, with a 68.5% recoup of approximately a $20,000 cost. First impressions count.

One of the ways to keep these improvement costs under control is to maintain the property on a continual basis. If you see peeling paint, scrape and paint. If the bushes obscure the home, trim or remove the bushes. Maintaining the good looks of a home need not always be expensive.Here are a few low-cost actions you can take:

    • Wash the windows; repair screens

    • Clean the gutters, especially if you have little                          plants growing inside

    • Sweep the front walk; remove spider webs

    • If you have a paved driveway, seal coat it to freshen it’s          look

    • Weed the front gardens, mulch, and plant colorful flowers

  • Trim or remove old bushes and tree limbs
  • Paint or stain the front door, even try a different color

  • Replace the mailbox

  • Clean or replace front light fixtures; or replace burned

       out bulbs

  • Water, fertilize, and mow the lawn

  • In winter, shovel the driveway and walk way

    • Decorate for the holidays

Curb appeal is an integral element to marketing ahouse. Obviously, the better the appeal, the quickerthe sale and the higher the price you will receive. Call usfor an objective perspective and recommendations to enhance your home’s curb appeal.