As they say, a first impression is a lasting one. If your home doesn't look good from the outside, buyers are going to believe it doesn't look good on the inside either, so they'll just drive away, or not click on your online listing to see the interior photos.
Also, if your home looks beautiful, loved and taken care of on the outside it speaks volumes for what the buyer perceives the inside looks like. It also says to the buyer "I am the type of homeowner that takes care of EVERYTHING - the roof, the furnace, repairs, etc."
Lastly, with outdoor space, even if it's just a terrace in a condo or high-rise city building, buyers are buying EXTRA SQUARE FOOTAGE, so the outside space should receive the same care and even staging that is done on the inside of the house.
The first thing to do is to clear away the "clutter".
Next, clean.
Next, make needed repairs.
Then, do some easy, but impactful "wow" factor transformations.
Here is a checklist to get your home's exterior space in show-ready condition:
Step 1: Clearing the "Clutter"
Keep grass mowed and edges trimmed regularly (weekly)
Remove and replace any dead or dying shrubs
Consider removing or trimming any excess large trees or shrubs, especially those blocking the windows
Prune hedges and plants
Remove plant debris
Rake the lawn and walkways
Weed yard and garden
Shovel snow and de-ice walkways
Remove and store garden equipment, kids' toys, pool rafts, empty clay pots, and any other extraneous items
Hide trash cans out of view
Keep driveway clear of extra cars (park down the street) during showings
Remove excess clutter from and neaten up shed and garage
Wrap up your hose or hide it altogether in a hose storage pot or wheel
Remove excess furnishings from front porches, decks and patios to create spaciousness
Take down or move umbrellas if they block any kind of view
If it is safe, take down the portable child fence around the pool
Remove "Beware of Dog" signs
Neatly stack the firewood
Step 2: Cleaning
Remove mildew and cobwebs from eaves and lighting fixtures
Power wash any mildew off (or at least hose it down) house, roof, patio/deck, outdoor shower, cement, furniture, awnings, umbrellas, walkway, front door area and driveway
Clean windows, front door glass and sliding glass doors inside and out
Clean light fixtures
Clean exterior and interior of BBQ
Sweep and wash garage floor
Sweep shed floor
What you can't stow away when you're decluttering, at least clean and place it to the side
Clean out gutters
Though not visible, clean chimney (safety reasons)
Clean grease spills on driveway and garage floor
Clean pool, hot tub, ponds and other water features
Wipe down or hose your curbside mailbox
Step 3: Repairs
Fertilize grass
Water grass more
Add grass or sod to bare spots
Paint exterior
Paint trim
Paint or stain fence
Paint, or oil and seal the deck
Repair or replace windows, screens and shutters
Repair or repaint front door
Replace mailbox and house numbers
Replace welcome mat
Polish door fixtures, numbers, mailbox, light fixtures
Remove unattractive storm doors, especially those hiding a beautiful front door
Remove unattractive awnings
Replace furniture
Repair or replace torn awnings and umbrellas (or remove totally)
Repair or replace worn or missing side or roof shingles
Replace burned out bulbs
Align downspouts with gutters
Repair cracks in foundation, sidewalks, etc.
Repair or replace broken deck planks/slats
Repair broken fences
Repair any doors to garage, shed, outdoor shower, pool house, pool equipment storage, etc.
Repair hose faucets, sprinkler systems, pool/hot tub filters and pumps
Repair or replace any other broken or worn items
Step 4: Make "Wow" Factor Transformations
Paint the front door a contrasting color to the house such as red, maroon, black, etc. This is one place where it's OK to use a bright color when selling your home.
Paint the garage door
Update mailbox, house numbers and driveway and front door lighting fixtures
If you have a large front door area, consider adding a bench, chairs, small table
Add/replace doormat
Update lighting fixtures on walkways, pool area, patios, decks
Consider adding walk up lights (solar are inexpensive)
Update the planters to match the style of the house
Add huge pots of color with flowers (in every season if possible) to at least the front steps, if not also the patio/deck.
Consider hanging flower pots around the front porch and deck/patio
Plant flowers in the front and back yards - flowers do wonders!
Add mulch to the flower and shrub beds to provide contrast and a neat look
Flowers and/or mulch can also be used to cover any bare areas in your planters or under trees for a clean, manicured look
Consider adding shutters or window flower boxes to accent windows
Add a fountain to backyard
Add a table and chair set to backyard patio and decks
Create an outdoor entertainment room by adding pillows to chairs or setting the table with a stack of plates, wine glasses and bottle of wine
Replace worn and outdated outdoor furniture, as well as furniture that doesn't match the price point of the home
Do you know of any other things homeowners can do to enhance their curb appeal?
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