A staggering percentage of home buyers in Coeur d'Alene decide whether or not to look inside a house based on its curb appeal-the view they see when they drive by or arrive for a showing. Make sure buyers want to come inside your home by spending some time working on the exterior appearance.
It's difficult to look at our own house in the same way that potential home buyers might. When we have become accustomed to the way something looks and functions, we can't see its potential issues. Decide right now to stop thinking of the property as a home. It's a house-a commodity you want to sell for the highest dollar possible. Now, grab a shovel and take it to the yard! If landscaping is an overwhelming time commitment for you (or you are simply lacking a green thumb), consider xeriscaping. This eco-friendly alternative will create a unique design, and is a very low-maintenance alternative.
For more information on all your "curb appeal" needs talk to the professionals at Black Rock Landscape by calling 208-665-2005. They can assist with all of your landscaping needs and provide free expert advice.
And now for the tips...
1. Green grass leads to green cash: Most of our homes here in Coeur d'Alene and the surrounding areas have Kentucky bluegrass lawns. Nothing can turn potential buyers off more than unkempt, weedy lawn areas. Make sure to thatch, aerate and fertilize your lawn in the spring to ensure it looks its best for the summer selling season. It is also important to mow and water regularly. Keep in mind the best times of day to water are in the morning and evening that way the warm sun won't absorb all the moisture you are putting down.
2. Dress up the front door: Your home's front entry is the focal point of its curb appeal. Adding hanging annual baskets, window boxes, and flower pots will create an inviting entryway. Make a statement by giving your front door a blast of color with paint or by installing a custom wood door. Clean off any dirty spots around the knob, and use metal polish on the door fixtures.
3. Install outdoor lighting: Landscape lighting makes a huge impact on your home's curb appeal, while also providing safety and security. Fixtures can add accent lighting to trees, the house, or can illuminate a walking path. If you aren't able to use lights that require wiring, install solar fixtures. Solar technology has become very efficient and can provide accent lighting easily with no wiring needed.
4. Plant/refresh garden beds: Get garden beds into shape by pruning old growth, pulling weeds, planting flowers, and adding new mulch to restore color that has been faded by sunlight and harsh weather. When considering new planting beds it is important to plant a layering effect with your tallest plants framing the back of the bed and medium to shorter plants toward the front. Native and ornamental grasses are very dramatic and provide excellent contrast in planting beds. . If your border is old or tired-looking, try upgrading to native stone or metal edging for a cleaner appearance. Annual flower pots and hanging baskets will also provide excellent color for a reasonable price.
5. Bring out the Dead - make sure to remove dead trees, branches and shrubbery that are blocking the character of your home. Take out trees or shrubs that may be overshadowing some attractive features of the house. Simple pruning can also enhance the shapes and sizes of established trees and shrubs. Spring is typically the best time for pruning.
There you have it. There are 5 tips that may help sell your home before a person even steps foot inside it!
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