When preparing your property to show, work your way
from the outside in. It is
essential that your home possess a certain “drive-up appeal.”
Remember, a potential
buyer’s first impression of your house is formed while s/he is
still sitting in
the realtor’s car. So, first you need to view your house from this perspective.
Go stand on the opposite curb and observe your property. Compare it to surrounding
properties.
Concentrate on the following three areas:
Landscaping:
How does your landscaping measure up compared to
the rest of the neighbourhood? If
you guess it would rate below-average, make a few
adjustments. You might want to
consider buying some bushes and planting them
around the property. Do not buy trees,
however—mature trees are expensive, so you will not
see a return on your investment.
And immature trees don’t tend to significantly
improve the immediate appearance of your home. If the problem with your yard isn’t a case of too
little greenery, but rather too much, get out the pruning shears. The purpose of landscaping
is to complement the home, not hide it. Overgrown shrubs should be sheared to a height
near the bottom of the windows. Remove any ivy clinging to the side of the house.
Tree limbs should be high enough that you’re able to walk beneath. Trim any branches that
bar the way.
Your lawn should be freshly cut and watered, and an
even colour. If there are brown
spots, make sure you begin to remedy this well in
advance of putting the house on the
market. You may want to re-sod areas, and you need
to make sure these spots are given enough time to grow, so they will match the
existing lawn. Also, if you decide to use fertilizer, you’ll want to allow enough time for it
to take effect. Rake up any leaves or
grass cuttings. Planting a few flowers is an easy way to add colour
and vibrancy to your yard, enhancing the first impression of your home. Invest in a full flat of mature, colourful flowers, such as petunias or periwinkles, which last the length
of the growing season. Do not buy bulbs or seeds—they won’t necessarily grow enough by the
time yo
u begin showing to achieve the desired effect. If you don’t have an area in
which
to plant flowers, consider purchasing a few flower pots for your porch and
planting
flowers or blooming plants.If you have a pool, keep it sparkling and
leaf-free.
When you view your house from across the street,
does it appear weathered or faded? If so, it’s probably time to treat it to a fresh coat
of paint. This is usually a sound
investment; new paint can do wonders to increase a
home’s perceived value.
Stay away from unusual or loud colours. The new
colour should fit in with surrounding
houses, and complement the style and structure of
your house.
Examine the roof closely. Old or leaking roofs
should be replaced. If there are leaks,
you’ll have to disclose this detail to the home-buyer anyway, and they will want it
replaced. If there isn’t any apparent damage,
however, wait for word from the home
inspector before making repairs.
The Front Door and Porch:
The front door and surrounding area should look
particularly fresh and welcoming, as this will be the buyer’s first up-close impression as
they enter the house. If you paint nothing else, at least give the door a new coat. Replace
the doorbell if it is broken and polish the door fixture until it gleams. Wash the mail box.
Keep the porch swept and buy a new plush door mat. All of these little things will
contribute to the overall effect of a well cared-for and welcoming home.Ensure the lock works smoothly and the key fits
properly. When a home-buyer visits your house, the Realtor will open the front door with a
key. You don’t want the buyers’ first experience to be of waiting on the doorstep while
the Realtor fumbles with the lock.
I am the GUY that will make a difference!
Karen Guy, REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Horizon Realty
C 250.878.3605
O 250.768.8001
http://www.connectwithkaren.com
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