The Importance of Curb Appeal

Posted by Matt Thomson

When selling a home, especially in a “buyer’s market” such as we’re in now, first impressions matter.  Like it or not, often times what’s on the inside is never given a chance, as what’s on the outside determines our mindset.  I was watching an episode of “American Home Makeover” a month or so ago, and the show featured a 19 year old who had been blind from birth.  He said that he considered blindness an ability, and sight as a disability!  He mentioned that he can’t see what’s on the outside, so all he can judge by is what’s on the inside.  He was obviously talking about people, but sometimes I wish people could be blindfolded as they pull up to a house, and see what’s on the inside first.  Curb appeal matters, however, so here are some tips:

* Keep the grass mowed and remove all yard clutter.
* Weed and apply fresh mulch to flower beds.
* Apply fresh paint or stain to wooden fences, decks and home’s exterior if needed.
* Tighten and clean all door handles.
* Clean windows inside and out.
* Remove cobwebs, bird’s nests, etc.
* Ensure all gutters and downspouts are firmly attached and cleaned.
* Paint the front door.
* Buy a new welcome mat.
* Place potted flowers near the front door

First impressions matter.  You’ve got to get buyers in the front door first!  What’s on the inside matters, too, though.  I received the package shown below yesterday and was really excited.  What could possibly be in a box so large?  Needless to say, though I was happy to get my new earpiece, I was a bit disappointed that what was on the inside didn’t match up with the outside!

Package waste

This entry was posted on Thursday, March 27th, 2008 at 3:35 pm and is filed under Real Estate. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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