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“A picture is worth a thousand words” might sound cliché, but the cover picture of your home’s listing can make or break Buyer interest.
The National Association of Realtors estimates that nearly 65% of Buyers request a showing after they’ve viewed a home online. Not surprisingly then, 92% of Realtors suggest improving curb appeal prior to listing.
Let’s identify the exterior elements crucial to top-notch curb appeal that will help ensure your listing photos position your home to receive the very best offers it deserves.
Assess the Property
Assess the home’s exterior condition with professional guidance to determine which elements need attention, and the level of investment required to address those concerns. You’ll want to consider three main details:
- Damage: Are there missing shingles, broken shutters, crumbling bricks?
- Cleanliness: Does the house need thorough power washing? Is the landscaping cluttered, overgrown, dead?
- Aesthetic: Are the exterior colors fresh, complimentary? Are any metal elements (house numbers, railings) rusty, tarnished?
Inspect the home from all angles—across the street, around the entire perimeter—to identify anything that might prevent Buyers from even wanting to see the interior. Another cliché that holds true… you don’t get a second chance at a first impression.
Choose Elements to Improve
Homeowners can be hesitant to invest money into a home they want to sell, but certain upgrades or repairs are going to be non-negotiable to ensure Buyer interest and good offers.
Anything that needs absolute repair—windows, fences, stonework, etc—are a must, and some may even compromise the inspection process later on, such as a damaged roof, unstable decks or stairways, cracks in siding or foundation, and drainage, such as gutters and downspouts.
Some areas that allow for flexibility or low-cost solutions include landscaping and decorative elements, such as these ideas from HGTV. Sellers don’t need to invest in lavish landscaping, but tending to the existing landscaping and vegetation to keep it clean and well-kept is a must.
If items such as house numbers or mailboxes are worn, broken, or dingy, those items can be replaced at a very low cost. Freshening paint on shutters, garages, and front doors gives a nice facelift without having to repaint the entire house.
Use a Checklist
A checklist not only helps you determine what needs to be done, it also helps you develop a plan to address those issues.
Roof
- Shingles intact
- Debris clear
- Gutters intact
- Gutters clean
Home Exterior
- Paint/stucco/siding intact
- Exterior clean
- Windows/shutters intact
- Windows/shutters clean
Stairways/Porches/Decks
- Stairs intact and useable
- Stairs free of clutter or debris
- Porches/decks intact and useable
- Porches/decks free of clutter or debris
- Railings in good condition
Landscaping
- Vegetation not blocking windows, walkways, doorways
- Grass/gardens not overgrown
- Dead plants removed
- Mulch clean/evenly laid
Fencing
- Fence intact
- Fence clean, paint not peeling
Small Décor Elements
- Mailbox intact
- House numbers visible and bright/tarnish-free
- Décor elements (flags, flower pots, signs) intact or removed
- Exterior lighting fixtures intact/clean
- Lightbulbs working
Want to determine if your home passes the Curb Appeal Test?
We work with a host of trusted community partners to help you assess and plan for exterior upgrades that will help ensure your home sells for the absolute best price.
We’re here for you every day of the week, get in touch!