When buyer’s look at your home, it starts with the curb appeal. You need to make sure it doesn’t end there because the buyer’s don’t like what they see. However, this is not the inside scoop or even breaking news. What that means for you is that all your competition, the other sellers, know that too. So how do you get the advantage? Follow these steps to maximize your curb appeal and set your home sale apart.
- Many sellers know that a clean-cut edge can turn even the most mundane lawn into a manicured carpet of green. Set yourself apart and bring a bit of architectural structure to your landscape by installing a brick mowing strip. Not only will this make your lawn look 100 percent nicer, the hard and level boundary between your lawn and landscaping makes subsequent mowings and trimmings a breeze. A less durable, but easier and more cost-effective method, is to create your edge with landscaping timbers that have been staked in place. Plastic edges are the cheapest solution of all, but be warned: They also look cheap, and can even lead buyers to dismiss your home as tacky.
- Replacing your mailbox is a classic approach to achieving curb appeal, but why stop there? You’ll already be deep in the trenches with a shovel in hand, so you might as well plant a welcoming mailbox garden to capture potential buyers from their very first glance. When designing your mailbox garden, choose plants that will not become overgrown or require too much upkeep. Dwarf, compact shrubs are good choices because they stay smaller and require less pruning. Ground covers such as Liriope, daylilies and Agapanthus are useful because they don’t get too tall, and quickly fill in, eventually eliminating the need for mulch.
- Placing a container garden at your doorstep is a quick and affordable way to liven things up, but since the front door is where the agent pauses to fumble around for a key and discuss the home with her clients, set the tone for that conversation with something bold: Two big stately glazed ceramic pots to each side of the door, each filled with spectacular foliage plants. Foliage plants exude grace and confidence and are likely to please a wider arrange of people. Plant them with something low-maintenance so that they thrive during the stressful move. Choose pots and plants that complement the colors and style of the house: A minimalist planting of snake plant or horsetail in sleek red pots may be appropriate for a mid-century modern home with a red door, but would be out of place on a Victorian porch.
- Cookies in the oven are supposed to make buyers associate your home with their fondest memories, but well-chosen plants turn a house into someone’s home. Fragrant roses, jasmines and herbs will perfume the entry with nostalgia and make your house memorable to buyers. However, avoid placing strong-smelling plants too close to the entry, as this can be off-putting to some. Another trick is to incorporate plants that create a connection to the best features of your property. If the property offers a nice view of a prairie, plant a ground cover of ornamental grasses to connect the yard to the beauty beyond.
You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression. Let the first impression of your house resonate with buyers by following these tips and tricks. For personal suggestions on improving your home’s curb appeal, call Helen today at 847.967.0022 or email [email protected].