By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Teresa_Mills-schremm]Teresa Mills-schremm
Does curb appeal really matter? You bet it does! When you put your home on the market, it is no longer your "home," but a "product." It has to shine...inside and out! It is said that a first impression is a lasting impression. So what is the first impression of your home? Here is a little "food for thought." A buyer has found your home either on the internet, in the newspaper, or through a licensed real estate professional. The home meets their criteria, nice neighborhood, good schools, right style, upgrades galore, and so on. They eagerly jump in the car and race to see this "dream home." As they pull up in front of the house, the first thing they notice is the weeds and dead foliage from last fall, dingy windows, and a front entrance door from the 70's that screams "paint me!" If you visualized this little scenario, then you have already guessed what happens next. They drive away!
There are some simple and not so back-breaking things you can do to stop them from driving away. A little time and effort, and a small budget can improve the curb appeal dramatically. So much so that buyers will love what they see on the outside, and want to see what is on the INSIDE! The first successful step to selling your home is to get buyers through the front door!
As a professional home stager and redesigner, I have visited many homes that were right down "icky" on the outside, but lovely on the inside. I have compiled a list of some simple fixes and practical advice on curb appeal that I pass along to all of my staging clients. Please feel free to take my advice and make those buyers want to see the inside! Now that Spring is just a few days away...its time to get moving on that curb appeal! Enjoy!
Start by pulling up and cleaning up last fall's leftovers! Remove all weeds, flowers, and foliage and make room for the new!
As soon as weather permits, add a fresh layer of mulch. Yes! Even before planting anything new. This will "brighten" the flower beds and make a great start for those Easter Lilies, Crocus, Tulips, and other early bloomers.
Wash those "winter" windows! Clean and sparkling inside and out should be the rule of thumb on this step!
Give your front entrance door a fresh coat of paint.
Take a good look at the door hardware such as handle and locks. If they look old and tired...replace them!
Don't forget the mailbox! Does it look old and tired? A simple fix is a $3.00 can of spray paint!
How are those house numbers? If you have the stick on kind..consider upgrading to the individual plastic or wooden ones. These look more "high-end."
When weather permits, trim the hedges and shrubs. Don't over prune them because you will KILL them.
Add a decorative planter with a colorful Sping flower arrangement. I always recommend 'YELLOW" because this is the first color the human eye sees.
Last but not least....weather permitting, of course, mow, trim and fertilize the lawn. A crisp, lush, meticulously cared for lawn will set the tone for what is behind the front door.
For more information and home staging tips, please feel free to contact us at the address below. Thanks for reading, and best of luck with selling your home!
Teresa Mills Schremm is the co-founder and owner of LOOKING FINE BY REDESIGN, a professional home staging and redesign firm in North Olmsted, Ohio. Our Design Team partners with homeowners and Realtors in Western Cuyahoga (Cleveland) and Lorain Counties.
For information on how we can help you "position" your home to sell, please visit our website at http://Lookingfinebyredesign.com or e-mail us at [mailto:teresa@Lookingfinebyredesign.com]teresa@Lookingfinebyredesign.com
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