Anna's Blog

Here in the midwest, we get a little break from curb appeal duties since our yards are covered in snow for about 3 months of the year! But alas it's spring, and time for homeowners to renew their awareness in curb appeal.

Many buyers that I work with drive by many of the homes for sale that meet their general criteria (price, size, location...) before actually touring homes. Many times, curb appeal is a sellers only chance to make an impression on a buyer. Here are a few easy tips:

Keep things neat and tidy: The same way you clean up the house every time a showing is scheduled, keep the exterior of the house in a constant state of tidy. Keep the weeds pulled and make sure all of the vegetation in the yard is healthy. A flock of dandelions in a front yard rarely leaves a good impression...on buyers or your neighbors!

Garbage cans have their place: And aside from the several hours they need to be at your curb for weekly pick up, keep them in the garage, on the side of the house, or behind the house.

Declutter the front porch: Aside from perhaps a pretty potted plant or a chair or two (space permitting), keep your porch clear of clutter. It saves a potential trip hazard when people unfamiliar with your property arrive, and the simplicity is a clean look.

Take a break from excessive lawn ornaments: Use your judgement, but know that less is more in the lawn ornament department!

Keep it straight: Make sure your for sale sign is straight and secure in your yard. A leaning sign makes for unbalance, and every little consideration counts.

Don't stress! The tips I have mentioned are affordable (many free) and easy to do. If you want more tips on curb appeal, let me know. Do everything you can to move your home from for sale to sold as promptly as possible!