Veteran agents know that buyers can make a “no” decision on a house before they even step in the door. It has nothing to do with the numbers. It’s the curb appeal that sets the tone, before they even see the inside of the listing.
That’s not just speculation. Studies confirm: Big, extensive renovations that functionally improve a home are net money losers, on average. They may enhance enjoyment of the home significantly – but they generally do not add as much in value as they cost to execute. Meanwhile, the projects and improvements that add the most value, according to the annual Cost vs. Value Study put out by Remodeling Magazine, are almost invariably cosmetic.
Looks count. You don’t want to be selling the neighborhood’s “ugly duckling.” Here are some things you can do to boost its curb appeal – and get it sold for a good price – without busting the bank.
Apply Fresh Coats of Paint
A coat of paint and some nice trim is usually the number one value-enhancing, curb appeal-boosting modification that property owners can make immediately prior to listing. Don’t just paint the house, though. Take the same care with mailboxes and numbers, if any. Make the colors pop, while still fitting in with the overall aesthetic of the neighborhood.
Renew Siding and Trim
An exterior facelift (new paint, siding, or trim details) automatically transforms the look of a home. Periodic maintenance of that exterior surface is the surest way to keep your house and it curb appeal looking its best. Any obvious defects, such as cracked or rotting material, can downgrade the aesthetic and quickly turn away potential homebuyers.
Invest in Landscaping
According to the 2012 HomeGain Home Improvement Survey, investing in landscaping generates an average return on investment of 215 percent. The same study found that over 90 percent of real estate agents recommend that clients invest in some professional landscaping prior to selling.
Not ready to invest 10 percent of the value of the home in landscaping, as the American Society of Landscaping Architects (www.asla.org) recommends? Then at least make sure the lawn is green, mowed and raked at all times.A New Front Door
The aforementioned annual Cost vs. Value Report put out by Remodeling magazine identified a new steel front door as one of the top value-enhancing improvements sellers can make to a house that actually adds value, above and beyond the cost of the repair, on average.
In fact, a new entry or door was the only renovation or improvement studied that did, in fact, earn its keep by generating about 101 percent of its cost in resale value. If the front door is old or unsightly, this is a no-brainer for boosting a home’s curb appeal.
Add Decorative Rocks
In the right spot, bright white rocks marking out the edge of a lawn, or lining a walkway, can look sharp. Plus, it’s easy to do and doesn’t cost much.
Spruce Up the Mailbox
Many people forget about the mailbox, even though it’s one of the first things your buyers will see up close when they arrive to look at the property!
Pressure Wash or Bleach the Driveway
Get rid of those oil stains on the concrete! For that matter, once you have the pressure washer out there, perhaps pressure wash the exterior of the house – especially anything visible from the curb.
No comments:
Post a Comment