A first impression is a lasting impression, and curb appeal plays a vital role when selling your home. The spring market is a busy time for real estate sales, but unfortunately the dingy signs of winter tend to leave a negative impression on potential buyers. Preparing the inside of your house is key, but tackling the outside is just as important. You only get one chance to make that first impression.
Here are a few tips to get your home looking it’s best.
Clean your front door and windows. The harsh Newfoundland winters can leave plenty of dirt, grime and salt on houses. A dirty exterior may make buyers think you’ve slacked off on interior maintenance as well. A fresh coat of paint is always a good idea if the temperatures allow.
Decorate your door with a seasonal wreath. You want to make your front door stand out. It may be too early for flower baskets, but a colourful wreath will appear welcoming.
Invest in a new welcome mat. After months of ice and snow, your welcome mat can appear shabby. Remember, purchases like this can be taken with you.
Improve your landscaping. Rake your lawn, tidy up any flower beds and make sure you clean up any garbage or debris that’s been hidden under the snow all winter. This is especially key if you have pets. If time is of the essence, consider hiring a landscaping company to help get your yard back in shape.
Fix anything broken. You want to make sure your home is in the best condition possible. Change blown lights, fix loose railings and repair broken steps. These are all safety hazards and will potentially come up in a home inspection. Get ahead of the game and get it fixed before you list.
Clean and repair gutters. Excessive ice and snow can take its toll on eavestroughs. Inspect your gutters in the early spring. Make sure they are free of leaves and debris and fix any broken downspouts. This will ensure heavy spring showers are properly diverted away from your foundation. While you’re up there, it’s also advisable to remove any remaining Christmas lights.
