Ten Things That Will Add Value to Your Home

Fifth article of a ten-part series of things that will add value to your home

Curb appeal

The longer I'm in this business, the more I'm convinced about the importance of a home's "first impression" upon the buyers. It seems that in our very busy world, home buyers almost always favor a home that is in move-in condition. And since most buyers lack the imagination to see what a difference their personal touch could make on a home, it's very important to make a good first impression.

First impressions are everything. A house that appears tidy and well-cared-for will sell more quickly and for more money. A good first appearance can add as much as 10 percent to the value of the home.

A majority of home buyers decided whether or not to look inside a house or take it seriously based on its curb appeal – this means the view they actually see when they do a drive by or arrive for a showing. To make it inviting enough for them to want to come inside your home, by spending a little time working on the exterior appearance can give you that leverage.

TAKE AN INVENTORY OF YOUR HOME…

One of the best ways to really see your home as potential buyers might see it as they drive by is the next time you come home, stop across the street far enough away from the driveway to get a good view of the house and its surroundings. Park where potential buyers would and walk towards the house and look around as if it were your first visit.

Take photos of the exterior of the home. It is better to do this in black and white because when they are in color it is distracting and it is easier to see existing problems.

1. What is your first impression of the house and yard area?

2. What do you consider your home or lot’s best features? How can you enhance them?

3. What are the worst exterior features of the house or lot? How can you minimize or improve them?

4. Is the walkway clean and tidy? What can be done to make it more attractive?

Start making a list of the problem areas you discovered. It is always best to start with the clean up and repair chores first, then start projects that will make the property more attractive.

• Clean windows and gutters

• Pressure wash dirty siding, decks and driveways

• Make sure the sidewalks are edge and remove any weeds between concrete or bricks

• Paying special attention to your landscaping is absolutely crucial during the selling process

• Keep your lawn freshly mowed, flower beds free of weeds, and add some additional outdoor lighting to brighten up the pathways.

• Rake and dispose of leaves, even if your lot is wooded

• Trim tree limbs that are near or touching the home’s roof

• Kill mold and mildew on the house, sidewalks, roof or driveway

Don't Forget the Rear View

Expand your curb appeal project to include your back yard. Buyers doing a drive by will try their best to see your back yard if it is visible from another street or neighbor’s yard.

How Does Your Home Measure Up With Evening Curb Appeal?

• One of the best ways to improve evening curb appeal is with outdoor lighting

• String solar lights along your driveway, sidewalks, and near important landscaping element

• If your budget allows, add a decorative street lamp or an attractive light fixture to a front porch

• Make sure any lighting that's visible through front doors and windows enhances the home's appearance.

Unfortunately most buyers cannot visualize changes, and often won't take a second look at a house if the first look doesn't appeal to them. On the other end of the spectrum, those home buyers who can visualize changes, and are prepared to make them, expect you to reduce the price of the house to compensate for the work they plan to do. 

A Few Curb Appeal Tips

• If you can budget it, a fresh paint job does wonders for a dingy house. Make sure that it keeps with the look and time of the area. You do not want to paint with bright colors that will detract and turn off buyers but will also affect the value of your home and the neighborhood. 

• Install a more attractive front door, maybe something with leaded glass inserts.

• If your budget won’t allow the cost of a new door, consider replacing plain doorknob hardware with something more attractive.

• If new hardware is beyond your budget, repaint or stain the door and polish the hardware.

By making a list, taking pictures and brainstorming, you'll find that there's usually always a solution to most problems- one that lets you stay within your budget. The trick is to find the areas where improvements are needed and bring most value, then work on them within your means.

Shirlee McGarry® is a freelance writer and published author in Utah

Pictures -fotosearch.com