First impressions can be difficult to overcome. When you first meet someone, your initial perception of them is often wrong for one reason or another. Unfortunately, it can take a while for you to get past this first impression and really get to know a person, especially if that first interaction was awkward or negative.
The same can be said about people who are looking to buy a home. Their first experience of a property may be the pictures on a listing site or driving by and seeing the front of the house in person. If the impression they get of your home is negative, it could be tough to convince them to come inside and take a look at what makes your home worth the price.
What can you do to create a strong impression with potential buyers? It can be as simple as a little bit of cleaning up. Let’s break down some strategies for cleaning up the outside of your property so that curb appeal works for you rather than against you.
Power Washing
One of the most effective ways to freshen up curb appeal is to use a power washer. This tool can usually be rented from local home improvement stores and it can pack quite a punch in a short amount of time. Some areas that could use power washing include the deck or porch, the front steps, pathways, and even the siding. Getting rid of those stains and making the colors of your property pop can leave a positive impression on prospective buyers, whether they are checking out pictures online or driving by in their cars.
Lawn Maintenance
The yard is an important piece of your property. Buyers want to see the possibilities of your outdoor space, but poor lawn maintenance can take away from their perception of the property. Keeping up with lawn care can be a simple way to make the home look cleaner. Make sure that you are mowing regularly to avoid overgrown grass. If there are edges that need trimming, break out the weed whacker and get rid of those unsightly growths. If you have a garden that can be seen from the front, make sure that it is cleared of weeds so that your plants can boost curb appeal. Consistent lawn maintenance will present a fresher-looking property to potential buyers, leaving a strong first impression.
Windows and Doors
The windows and doors on the exterior of your home also play a role in creating a first impression. If there are noticeable stains, collections of dust, or other types of buildup that limit visibility or negatively affect the colors of these features, then you could be creating a weak first impression. Clean up the glass areas with some Windex or other cleaning materials and wipe down the sills, frames, and other non-glass surfaces. Although these things may not be noticed in pictures or from the street, they will certainly affect the mood of your buyers as they approach the home to check out the inside.
Walk in Buyer’s Shoes
Living in a home presents a very different experience of a property than driving by it. Sometimes, you need to get a fresh perspective of the property to notice any flaws or areas that could use some cleaning. Try driving by your home a few times and see what you notice first. Also, walk down the street or sidewalk and experience the property from this perspective. Seeing the house from different angles could reveal areas that need some attention for cleaning to improve the first impression on buyers.
Let’s Talk Through Boosting Curb Appeal
Having spent many years helping clients sell their homes, I understand what makes a strong first impression on buyers. If you are looking to sell your CNY home in the near future, I would love to talk through some curb appeal tips with you to increase your chances of a great offer. Let’s talk soon about how to freshen up your property for sale!