Why Curb Appeal Is Important for Selling Your Home

When you're thinking about selling your home in Greater Lansing, or anywhere for that matter, it is important to understand how influential curb appeal is. Potential home buyers will first look at pictures of a home on a website, and the first few pictures are normally external views. Assuming they are still interested, they will go see the home in person and, in many cases, their impression of the home in general will be heavily influenced by what they see from the outside. If the exterior and property of the home is not maintained well, they may connect a lack of outdoor maintenance with a lack of overall maintenance of the home.

The good news is that many steps can be taken to improve curb appeal that do not cost a lot of money but can have a great effect.

How to improve your home’s curb appeal:

• Tend to the landscaping by trimming shrubs and bushes and picking up dead branches and leaves.

• Mow the lawn regularly, trim, fertilize and water. 

• Add some color with seasonal flowers. 

• Sweep the front porch and place an attractive door mat at the front door. 

• Paint the front door and replace outdated hardware. 

• Clean any outdoor furniture or replace rusted furniture. 

• Keep the sidewalks clear of snow in winter or put away kids toys and bicycles in summer. 

• Keep pets corralled and manage any waste. 

• Keep your garage door closed. 

• Keep cars off the driveway. 

• Clean windows throughout the house and especially those that can be seen from the street.

If you tend to these issues, you will create a positive first impression that will be inviting to potential buyers and set the stage for what is inside the home.