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Potential homebuyers will often just want to drive-by and look at the outside of a property. Why? Because, they simply want to make a quick, personal “no-obligations” assessment. They want to save themselves the time, hassles and possible embarrassment of looking through a house that they don’t intend to buy. So, first impressions do count! A house with poor “street appeal” can get struck-off a homebuyer’s shopping list, without them even stepping a foot in the door. That potential sale can be lost in a matter of seconds!
Needless to say, a home that's visually appealing and in good condition will attract potential buyers driving down the street. Any real estate agent will tell you that strong “street appeal” will lure those potential buyers inside. That means, before you put your home on the market do this. Stand back and look at your house as objectively as you can. Would you buy this home?Ask friends and neighbors to do the same. Insist they be totally honest. Good or bad - you need to know the truth! It’s really very simple.
The first step in preparing the exterior of your house is to take a clear-headed look at your house from the street. Stand at the curb and look at the house in the same way a buyer might. Imagine that you are seeing your house for the very first time. What stands out? What catches your eye? Truthfully now – is it the beautiful landscaping and the new fence or roof? Or does something else strike you? Maybe your eye is drawn by the flaking exterior paint? Perhaps it’s those holes in the driveway that you notice first?
Could it be the rusty guttering, or that boarded-up window? Here’s a quick 11-point checklist to get you started:
1. Are the lawn and shrubs well maintained?
2. Does the garden or pathway need weeding?
3. Are lawn mowers and hoses properly stored?
4. Does the driveway need resurfacing?
5. Are there cracks in the foundation or walkways?
6. Are garbage and debris stored out of sight?
7. Are the gutters, chimney and exterior walls in good condition?
8. Do the window casings, shutters, siding or doors need painting?
9. Does the fence or letterbox need repairing or painting?
10. Do the windows need washing inside and out?
11. Is the garage door closed?
Remember, this is how your home will "introduce" itself to a potential buyer. If the “street appeal” isn't there, you could lose your buyer without them even getting out of the car. They will likely move on to the next available house, no matter how beautiful the interior of your house may be! This all might sound obvious, but it is a lesson that unfortunately many homeowners learn the hard way. They either struggle to sell their house, or they fail to get the price the property is capable of attracting. Do what is necessary to make your house stand out from the competition. Make certain that your house is fresher, cleaner, and better maintained. And above all – make sure it has “street appeal.”
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