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 Simply put, it is the first impression that people get of your
home from the street or as they pull in your driveway. When a home
is on the market, this is especially important, because what they
see from the street will either invite them to look further, or
repel them to a point that they dread seeing what is inside.
Mitch Birky and Matt Eich of Bella Landscaping conducted a workshop
during the annual Russel Allen Garden Day in Lincoln earlier this
year. They spoke on curb appeal and offered the following
information:
- Positive curb appeal will increase the market value of a home by
17 percent or more. It will likewise decrease the value of the home
if curb appeal leaves a negative impression.
- Also, 63 percent of potential buyers who view a home will do
additional drive-bys afterward.
So, how do you know if your home is smiling at a buyer and welcoming
him or her to come on in? Take a look at what they see from the
road. And if you feel like you are wearing blinders and won’t see
what they see, then ask a friend to do this, or your realtor, then
take to heart the answer that person gives you.
 Curb appeal starts at the curb, so examine the lawn. Is it well
maintained? Is the grass mown? Does the vegetation go with the
house? While your personal taste may have led you to put a Chinese
Garden in your front yard if your home is a Cape Cod, the two styles
may be fighting each other.
What’s going on with your front porch or steps? If the porch is
cluttered, guests will form an impression that the interior is
probably cluttered as well. If there is peeling paint on the
banisters, or broken newels instead of seeing a smiling home,
visitors may see one crying out for attention.
If the steps are in poor repair, the home may be screaming “Be
careful! This place is dangerous!”
Is the siding dirty? Are the windows clean? Some of these things are
quick fixes with little dollar investment. But if you’re getting
ready to put your home on the market they can be the little extra
touches that make your home say right from the road, “Come on in!
You’re going to love it here.”
If you have vinyl or aluminum siding, a power washer can make quick
work of dirt and grime, and such tools are available for rent at
local businesses such as Chicago Street Rentals in Lincoln. Also, if
you’re not in Lincoln, check with your local hardware store or
lumber supply and see if they have something available. There are
also garden hose attachments that include wands and brushes that
will do a pretty good job if you’re willing to put some elbow grease
into the project.
If you have sidings such as barn wood, brick or stone, a stiff
bristle broom will work wonders and make the exterior of your home
look clean and fresh.
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If the steps are in poor repair, local businesses such as Alexander Lumber and
RP Lumber sell pre-formed concrete steps. It takes a little moxie to get them in
if you are a do-it-yourselfer. If you’re not so inclined, then see if the seller
will install them for you or recommend a local handyman who can do the job.
Many times, a front porch becomes the storage point for outdoor toys and other
items. If you have your home on the market, it is very important that you find
someplace else to store these things.
There are any number of local businesses that sell painting supplies. For that
rough worn spot on the porch or front door, a paint scraper, a little sandpaper,
and some paint will patch the bad spot and give your home a better-kept look. Be
aware though, you may be opening a Pandora’s Box. When the repair is done, it
may make the rest of the porch rail or entry look drab. So, go into this project
with the idea that you may be better off to put a fresh coat of paint all over
as opposed to repairing a bald spot.
While keeping everything in check and creating that welcoming look from the
street may require some elbow grease and a few dollars, remember when your home
increases in value because of its curb appeal, it was well worth the work.
And finally, remember that often, people will do a “drive-by” after their
initial visit, so pretty on showing day needs to be pretty every day.
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