Curb Appeal
You hear that phrase a lot but what does that really mean? Many times buyers will drive around neighborhoods they are interested in or to look for specific properties in order to decide whether or not to schedule a showing. Maybe you, the seller, have put a lot of time and effort getting the inside of your house ready to show – painting, cleaning, decluttering, but if you have neglected the outside of your house, all of that work could be for nothing.
Stand out by the curb and take a hard look at your house. Are there toys scattered about, lawn furniture in disarray? Are there shutters missing or askew? Is the siding clean and in good shape? Any peeling paint or bare wood showing? How about that front door and the windows – are they shinny and clean? Is your landscaping neat, lawn cut, leaves raked? What does that roof look like and the chimney?
When a buyer drives by you want them to slow down, take a second look and say – wow – I like that house!! When the outside is immaculate and well maintained it is expected that the interior is the same. If it’s a mess – guess what they assume the rest of the house is like?
If you want to sell your house, you have to first get them in the door so make sure your house says Welcome, before they ever get out of the car.
Kathy Sollien, Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Maple Leaf Realty Bennington VT real estate sales
