Are you thinking of selling your home but dreading the idea of renovating and dealing with contractors to help you encourage a top-dollar deal with a buyer?
Don’t despair! There are more ways to improve your home and maximize its value than calling in builders to rip out a bathroom or build a new kitchen before you call in a real estate agent.
As an experienced local agent, I’m a big believer in the impact the first impression of a property makes on prospective buyers.
If your front yard is looking attractive, then you’re on the way to winning that first battle to capture the heart of a home-hunter. Never underestimate the impact of a first impression.
The property portal Zillow claims almost 3% of a home’s value is invested in the landscaping, so having a great-looking garden is worth a little sweat and elbow grease. Plus it can be a rewarding job to do in warmer spring weather.
Below are some simple tips to turn your home into a pleasing paradise to put you in a position to sell quickly at a great price.
- Fenceline focus – This will be the first element of your home that a buyer will see. If you have a hedge, trim it neatly. Buyers love hedges because they offer privacy from the street. If you have a fence, then make sure you fill in any flaws and if possible give it a lick of fresh paint.
- Trim the undergrowth – Any bushes or shrubs near the home should be trimmed to under window level. That will make sure the maximum amount of light will flood into your home, giving buyers a great impression once they’re inside.
- Branch out – If your garden is looking a little bare, consider planting a mature tree. While these can be expensive, you’ll be amazed at their immediate impact making them worth the investment.
- The path most traveled – Fill any cracks in the path. Consider giving it definition by lining it with flowers. Outdoor lighting is a cheap, solar-powered option, too.
- Keep the lawn tidy – Your lawn must be green and well-kempt. Feed it with fertilizer so it looks lush and inviting. Watch for grass creeping into the flowerbeds. This simultaneously spoils the look of the flowerbeds and lawn.
- Mulch it – Lay mulch across the top of your flowerbeds. This will keep the moisture in and the weeds down. It’s a great labor-saving strategy.
- Go hi-tech – Buyers love outdoor technology, especially if it enhances security. A gate that opens and shuts automatically is a winner. A doorbell and security camera combination is another good idea. And consider installing motion-sensor lighting for additional security. None of these solutions costs more than $200.
- Splash of color – If the exterior is looking a little tired, paint your front door a primary color to make it stand out. This is the height of fashion right now. If that sounds too much, a gloss-black door is another stylish choice.
- Brushstrokes – No property is ready for sale without a focus on the exterior frames and sills of the windows. These need to be maintained regularly because of weather damage. If yours are looking poorly worse for wear, then sand them back, fill in any gaps and repaint.