Neighbor News
How Important is Curb Appeal When Listing Your Home
You get one chance at a first impression. If a buyer doesn't like the way your house looks when they drive up they don't go inside
You don't get a second chance at a first impression that is why curb appeal is so important. I can't tell you how many times I have pulled up in front of a property with ready, able and willing buyers in the back seat only to have them tell me to drive on. It is hard to convince a buyer that the inside is perfect for them if the outside is neglected and rundown. Here are a few ideas to help you put your best foot forward, and who knows, maybe even increase the value of your home.
1.) Well-Maintained Front Yard
Dead or overgrown lawn or a drought resistant garden that has been left to go wild could stop a buyer in their tracks. Get out there and cut the plants back if the grass is dead consider pulling it out and creating a water saving garden full of colorful California native plants. Maybe throw down some colorful rocks. If you have a nice lawn try adding a little color. If you need someone to help you get your front yard ready give me a call I can help with that.
2.) Clean it up!
If your driveway is stained or the house is dirty go rent a power washer and give the whole place a good scrubbing. (some advice: do this before you plant anything). Make sure you windows sparkle.
Find out what's happening in North Hollywood-Toluca Lakefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
3.) New Front Door
Because the front entrance of your home commands the most attention from the street, it also commands the most attention in the marketplace.Not only is a new door welcoming but installing a new energy efficient steel door improves the livability of a house. They are more expensive but the return on investment can be about seventy percent.
4.) New Garage Door
If your garage door faces the street it plays a large part in your homes curb apeal.The average price for a new garage door ranges from $700 to $5,000 depending on the size of the door and the material it's made from. The return on investment of a garage door is over ninety percent.
Find out what's happening in North Hollywood-Toluca Lakefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
5.) Energy-Efficient Windows
Yes they are expensive but buyers want them and most will add it to the list of things "they have to do" which will bring down what they are willing to pay for your home. The return on investment of new windows is about seventy percent.
6.) New Siding
If the siding on your home still doesn't look good after a power wash then you might want to consider replacing it. New siding can range in cost, but the return on investment is usually about seventy percent.
The best ways to know if your house needs a curb appeal makeover is to take a photo of the exterior of your house. Now picture it on Zillow. How does it compare to other homes in your price range? If you were a buyer would you want to take the time out of your busy days to go view it? Another way is to give me a call (818.579.2050)I am happy to help you with your "to do list" and discuss which improvements will get you the biggest bang for your buck.
Want to know the value of your home but not ready to invite a Realtor over. Here is our easy to use Home Value Tool. Put in your address and a CMA will be delivered to your inbox within minutes. No Fuss, No Muss!
