Curb Appeal: How to Sell Your Home Faster!

Before you can sell your home, you need to attract buyers. People may not judge a book by its cover, but prospective buyers start by checking out your home's exterior. Will they like what they see?

Boost curb appeal

This is something you always hear, and with very good reason. Many people who are thinking of viewing your home will do a quick drive-by first, often deciding on the spot if it is even worth a look inside. Make sure your home is ready to entice people in, not scare them away.

Tidy up the exterior by power washing your home’s siding and walkways. Replace broken stones and steps and wash the front windows. Plant blooming flowers and fresh greenery. Window boxes and shutters can add a lovely pop of colour as well. Weed garden beds and add fresh mulch or topsoil. Mow the lawn and re-seed, or add fresh sod as needed. Repainting or staining the porch and its floor are also great ways to freshen up your front entry.

Dress up the front entrance

Your home’s front entry is the focal point of its curb appeal. House numbers, the entry door lockset, a wall-mounted mailbox, and an exterior light fixture are all elements that can add style and interest to your home’s exterior. These elements add the most curb appeal when they function collectively, rather than as mix-and-match pieces.

Add planters or hanging baskets symmetrically to draw attention to the entrance. Clean off any dirty spots on the front door and around the knob. If it needs to be repainted, remove the hardware first. Paint on a door knob makes it look untidy. You may even want to replace old hardware. A new lockset can do wonders for an old front door. If you need to replace the entire door and you’re in the market for it, a custom wood door will make an elegant statement.

Install outdoor lighting

Landscape lighting makes a huge impact on your home's curb appeal. It also provides safety and security. Buyers will often drive by after work in the evening to sneak a peek. Fixtures can add accent lighting to trees, the house or illuminate a walking path. If you’re unable to use lights that require wiring, install solar fixtures, but understand that their light levels are not as bright or as reliable.

Remember that homeowners often develop a blind eye to certain defects. Getting a second opinion to help you prioritize what needs to be fixed and cleaned up is a good idea. Taking photos of your home can also put some issues into focus.

In a nutshell, if it’s dirty, clean it. If it’s broken, fix it. If it’s worn out, replace it and if it’s cluttered, get rid of it. And make sure the back yard is just as presentable as the front. Once you've taken care of your home's exterior you'll want to concentrate on staging your interior.

If you are looking for a new home in Belleville, Ontario, be sure to check out our communities.