Unforgettable first impressions are critical when you plan to sell your house. No one disputes that fact; however, there is some debate on how to really make an impact on potential buyers.
Many home sellers get so caught up in preparing the interior that they pay little attention to how the property appears from the driveway. This is not an oversight you want to make if you want to get the best possible result in today’s market.
The exterior is the first thing a buyer will see, and fair or not, they will have already formed an opinion before they even walk in the door. Today, let’s talk about all of the simple ways to maximize your curb appeal when selling your Kingston home.
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Visibility and Exposure Set the Foundation
Creating curb appeal can seem like a tall order if you don’t have an eye for design or a flair for gardening. The good news is that you do not need to be an arborist to catch the attention of potential buyers; just keep a laser-like focus on what matters most.
Since so many buyers begin searching by browsing online listings, you’ll want to be sure that your home, including its outdoor spaces, photographs well. Visibility is just as important as the aesthetics.
We have had clients with gorgeous, stunning homes and magnificent trees outside. Greenery and foliage can work for you or against you when getting ready to sell.
When well-kept, they create a picturesque setting and add shade, which is a huge plus in the spring and summer. However, if that lush maple tree covers too much of your house and we can’t get a good photo, your listing might not get the attention it deserves.
“We can’t see the house” is one of the most common complaints we hear from buyers and other agents. With a little care and preparation, this mistake never needs to happen.
Curb appeal is about the simple things, like trimming the trees so buyers can better appreciate your home. Small details like this can be the key to generating early momentum and excitement in the market.
Once you’ve decided to sell your home, you’ll need an accurate assessment of what it’s worth in the current market. To find out, book your complimentary home evaluation with our team.
Mulch Is Your Friend!
There are dozens of tips and tricks for creating outdoor spaces that take a buyer’s breath away. A green thumb helps, but isn’t necessary for success.
Once the trees and bushes are trimmed and your house is visible, a few other minor touches can help buyers imagine the possibilities.
Mulch is to exterior curb appeal what paint is to indoor staging, and it is so simple and inexpensive. If you have any gardens of any kind, surrounding them with mulch completely defines and elevates the space.
Remember that most buyers can’t picture the potential without assistance, which is why presentation matters so much when selling your home. A person won’t look at a wilting garden and think to themselves, “we’ll just add some mulch after moving in.” You have to do it for them so they can see the vision.
A few minutes and a few dollars now can make a significant difference in the emotional response to your home. The trick is it has to be the right kind of mulch! We recommend sticking to earthy tones rather than unnatural colours or artificial materials.
Are you searching for a listing agent to support you while leading you to the best possible outcome? Here’s why Caldwell + Co is the Right Choice When Selling Your House.
Add a Pop of Colour
If you do nothing else to your yard above and beyond general maintenance, consider adding a potted plant or two to your front entrance and other outdoor spaces.
This tip is especially helpful for smaller homes or even condos that just have a balcony. Every home can benefit from some greenery, no matter what the size or structure!
Going Beyond Basic Maintenance
Keeping on top of weekly tasks like mowing the lawn, organizing yard tools, and removing debris can go a long way to basic curb appeal. When the time comes to list your home, you can take your outdoor presentation to the next level.
Consider some of the details the home inspector will be looking for. For example, nearly everyone is terrified of moisture problems.
Fixing grading issues, cleaning out eavestroughs, and ensuring downspouts are 6 feet away from the home are easy fixes that provide peace of mind to a future homeowner. These improvements aren’t as glamorous or as instantly satisfying as a picturesque garden, but they can be equally important to a serious buyer, if not more so.
Maintaining, possibly even repainting, the outdoor siding can enhance and modernize the exterior. If nothing else, pressure washing the front of your home and wiping down soffits and fascia can remove years’ worth of dirt and create a clean, fresh look.
Another small detail that gets overlooked is the caulking around the windows. When driving rain gets trapped between the pane and the door, the result can be unsightly, to say the least.
The appearance and possible smell can make a buyer uneasy. With a little care and preparation, you can avoid negative first impressions before they begin.
Looking for more insight when selling your home? Dive into the specifics in the post below:
- Repair It or Leave It: Most Worthy Upgrades Before Selling a House
- What Is Home Staging?
- Why Sell a House in the Fall
Keep It Simple, Get Results
What you avoid is also important when preparing your home for potential buyers. Some homeowners have a tendency to go overboard in trying to create an outdoor paradise. We love the enthusiasm, but we’d never want a client to spend more time or money than necessary to get results from their home sale.
Sprucing up the yard is essential, whereas over-landscaping rarely offers a return on investment. Hardscaping is also expensive and usually unnecessary.
The same rule applies to installing an in-ground swimming pool. It’s all well and good when it’s for your own enjoyment of a home you plan to live in and enjoy for years. If you’re hoping to receive this value back when selling, you could be setting yourself up for disappointment.
Selling your home to downsize can free up your time and money so you can live your best life. The first step is to decide where, and we can help! Here’s What to Know When Downsizing in Kingston.
Off-Season Curb Appeal Tips
The cold weather may have arrived by the time you list your home, but many sellers are surprised to learn that curb appeal is still essential. The general principles remain the same, but some of the methods change.
There’s just not as much you can do when everything is frozen and covered in snow. At this point, it’s mostly about maintenance and having a perfectly shovelled driveway and walkway, free of ice. A path worn down from people walking over it is insufficient. Before a buyer visits, scrape the walkways right down to the asphalt.
A buyer worried about slipping and falling isn’t technically anything to do with the house, but it has a definite impact on the sensory experience. You want to do everything you can to make visitors feel welcome and safe. This level of care also demonstrates that your home is loved and well-maintained.
A buyer may be searching in the winter, but chances are, they are dreaming about spring and summer. A high-level but easy tip is to clear snow and ice from all outdoor spaces, not just the driveway.
If a potential buyer can open the patio door and step outside even when it’s minus 20 degrees, they’ll be able to imagine the home in all its summer glory. Contrast that with a house where the curtains are drawn to hide three feet of piled-up snow and the BBQ with the tarp over it.
The time of year that you are selling will impact your outdoor decor choices. Curb appeal can and should represent the season perfectly.
Think about pumpkins and festive displays in the fall, colourful gardens in spring and summer, and lights and ornaments in the winter. Whatever makes a buyer drive up and feel right at home can lead to a faster, more profitable transaction.
Are you ready to buy or sell a house? Our Kingston real estate agents are happy to help and guide you through each step. Reach out to us at caldwellco@royallepage.ca or call 613.449.6588 today.
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