How to Create Curb Appeal
Have you ever discarded a book just because you did not like the cover? Have you ever bought an item at the supermarket just because you liked the packaging? Brand marketing is important for any good book, or great new product. In the housing market, the same holds true. It does not matter if the house is located in the center of Toronto, North York, Don Mills, Leaside, Markham or Mississauga. If you want to sell your house the exterior is of as much importance as is the interior. Unfortunately, a buyer may discard a house just because it does not look pleasing from the outside.
To the buyer, the exterior of a house is a like a trendy new book cover or bright new packaging. It either, invites them in and tweaks their curiosity or it displays signs that it may not be worth their time to take a look inside. Even if the inside of a house is structurally sound and could possibly be a buyers dream home, the reality is, the home will never get the chance to sparkle in its full splendour, as the buyer will have no desire to step inside because of overgrown grass, dead shrubs, falling shutters and cracked driveways.
If you want to sell your home, take a critical and objective look at the exterior. Try to see it through the eyes of a buyer who may drive by and decide if your house will be on the ‘must see’ list or not. Ask your friends and neighbours for their honest opinions. Start your own little survey of what others find attractive about your home and what, in their opinion, could be improved.
A few key questions to ask yourself:
- Are there any loose screens or railings?
- Does the trim need a paint job?
- Are the gutters cleaned?
- How do the shrubs and trees look, do they need trimming?
- Are the driveway and walkway presentable for visitors?
- Are there any left over renovation materials cluttering the yard?
There are many ways to present your home from the outside so that the buyer can not wait to make an appointment to see the inside as well. Here are some tips to help you transform your house into something so inviting that any buyer would put it on their ‘must see’ list.
The Yard
Flowers
Even without breaking the budget of major landscaping you can increase the value of your home by planting a few well placed shrubs, trees and flowers. It makes your front yard and garden look inviting and colourful. Use hanging flowerpots and place them all around. At night time use spotlights to highlight the beautiful flowers and trees.
Maintenance Mow the lawn, trim all hedges, and get ride of dead trees, shrubs and flowers. Remove any broken garden or patio furniture and broken play ground equipment. Rake the leaves in the yard in the fall and shovel the walkway and driveway in the winter. Be sure to add salt or sand to stairs and walkways during icy conditions in the winter, to prevent injuries to potential buyers. Make sure to have the front path and entrance lit.
The Garage
De-clutter Get rid of any construction debris and clear away unwanted items. If you have not used an item within a year, chances are you will not need it again. Recycle or give things away to charity.
The House
Washing
Sometimes, the house can have fresh look by giving it a good cleaning to the exterior. Before replacing the siding or painting it, try to wash it!
Painting
Painting the exterior of a house can make it look clean and new again. Check if the doors and window frames need a fresh coat of paint. If the house consists of a mixture of shingles, siding, wood and brick, choose just one colour. Dark colours give the house a smaller appearance, where as light colours make the house look larger. When working with conflicting textures dark colours work best.
Repairs If the roof is damaged; repair it! If there any loose hinges on doors or windows; take care of it! Repair any structural problems and caulk around all windows and doors, where necessary.
Bonus Extras
- A wreath on the front door during the winter holiday season along with a nice welcome mat is as good as a written formal invitation to a buyer, to come inside and see why they would want to buy your home.
- While adding a new deck may add some appeal, it is not necessary. Wicker chairs and potted flowers will add just as much appeal to the buyer and cost far less.