When it comes to selling your home, first impressions definitely matter! That's why “curb appeal”, or the way your home’s exterior and yard appear from the street, is incredibly important. In fact, it can truly make or break a potential buyer's decision to consider your home and make the effort to look further.
“Curb Appeal” includes the home’s exterior, as well as the yard and landscaping, along with driveway and fencing – essentially anything a potential buyer can see when driving by the home.

Following are FIVE reasons why a home’s curb appeal is so vital when selling a home:
1. It Sets the Tone
The exterior of a home is the first thing potential buyers will see, and it sets the tone for their expectations of the interior. If the exterior of the home is well-maintained and visually appealing, buyers will assume the interior is equally cared for and be drawn to look further.
2. Increases Home Value
A home with great curb appeal will normally command a higher selling price on the market. Buyers are willing to pay more for a home that looks great from the outside, as it suggests that the home is in good condition and requires less work.
3. Attracts Potential Buyers
A well-maintained and attractive exterior will attract more potential buyers to your home. Most potential home buyers are now searching online for homes. When they find a home of interest, often times their next step is to drive by to check out the area, and the home and yard from the outside. A home with great curb appeal will catch their eye and make them more likely to schedule a showing with their real estate broker.
4. Stands Out in a Competitive Market
In a competitive real estate market, a home with great curb appeal can help it stand out from the competition. When potential buyers are comparing homes, a visually appealing exterior can be the deciding factor.
5. Increases Buyer Confidence
A home with great curb appeal can also increase a buyer's confidence in the home's quality and condition. If the home looks great from the outside, buyers are more likely to assume that it has been well-maintained and is in good condition overall.

Need Some Curb Appeal?
Consider the following simple and inexpensive ways to enhance your homes curb appeal, and value:
1. Ensure the yard is well kept. Grass should be mowed and trimmed. Ensure yard is tidy with no weeds, debris, mole hills, etc. Bushes and trees should be manicured. Add fresh bark or mulch. For some “bonus” appeal, plant (and/or hang) colorful flowers if it’s spring or summer.
2. Driveway and any walkways should be clean and free of clutter. Consider pressure washing the pavement, and repair any cracks. If you have noticeable uneven pavement sections in the driveway or walkways, though more costly, consider having them leveled by a professional.
3. Fencing should be structurally sound and in good condition. Stain or paint to freshen up as needed.
4. The home’s exterior paint should be in great condition. If your home was last painted five or more years ago (will vary by climate/location), consider having it repainted. This should be a substantial boost to the home’s curb appeal, and value.
5. Another popular and easy upgrade to boost curb appeal is to re-paint the front door to a “trendy” and desirable color. This simple DIY project can add value.
Another option, though more costly, is replacing the front door (ensure it meshes with your home's style). Along these same lines, replacing garage doors with a new style (there are many options) can have a dramatic effect on curb appeal.
6. Ensure windows are clean and clear.
7. The roof and gutters should be in good condition, clean, and functioning properly. It’s important to repair all problems. Beyond aesthetics, issues here can lead to negotiation points further along in the home sale process.
Curb Appeal Truly Matters
A home and yard that appear clean and fresh from the street (think first impression) will help you sell your home quicker, and likely at a higher price.
Time and money spent to improve your home and yard’s exterior appearance is well worth it! Think of it as an investment, because you will get a positive return.
If you need a “curb appeal” assessment and/or any help with finding local contractors that can assist your quest for exterior repair and/or enhancements, please contact me and I’d love to help you out.
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