Making an Appeal

Every REALTOR^® knows that curb appeal is a huge part of making that vital first impression to potential buyers and can actually upgrade a home’’s value. Here’’s what homeowners need to do to add curb appeal.

Overall

• Wash everything——the windows, front door, porch and garage doors. A homeowner can do this with a bucket of soapy water, a cloth and soft-bristled brush for external sidings, or rent/buy a pressure-washer to get rid of accumulated dirt and grime from the walkways and flagstone.

Entrance

• Try repainting the front door and updating the hardware to give it a fresh new look. Replace any damaged or sagging screens.
• Update the house numbers to give the entrance some style.
• Add or update light fixtures by the entrance. Bronze finishes complement traditional homes, while brushed-nickel accents are best suited for contemporary/modern homes.
• Make sure to rinse or sweep the driveway regularly and reseal holes, cracks and potholes. Clean up any fluid leaks or spills as soon as possible.

Landscaping

• Trim any overgrown shrubs, remove weeds and tidy up planting areas. Cover bare spots with seeds and sods and don’’t be afraid to plant bright, colorful flowers and shrubs to increase the home’’s appeal.
• Add landscape lighting for ambiance, appearance and safety.

Roof

• Encourage sellers to check their roofs (they should have been doing it regularly) for any missing, badly-curled or damaged shingles that need to be replaced.
• Clear all gutters and downspouts of any debris.

Fence

• Have the homeowner inspect the fencing around the home, especially if any components may have moved over the winter. Check all latches and gates to ensure they are working properly.

For more information, please visit the experts at Pillar To Post Home Inspectors.