Living in Washington means wet springs and wet autumns. This can wreak havoc on yards and homeowners trying to make their curb appeal attractive for buyers. But it’s not impossible. While there are many things one can do to spruce up their home, that curb appeal is the first impression many buyers see and if you lose them there, they’re gone. Here’s how you can spruce up your curb appeal if you’re selling your western Washington home this year.
Curb Appeal is the First Impression
Potential buyers will make their very first decision about your home as soon as they drive up in front of it. This is your opportunity to grab their attention and portray a nicely landscaped, well-maintained exterior, which will naturally invite them to come inside. If your home could use a fresh coat of paint, now is the time. Other ideas you may consider are updating the color of the front door, replacing the mailbox, or adding flowers to the porch. It will only help you as the home seller to go the extra mile to make that first impression a good one.
Yard – Mow the yard, yes, even now. It will make it all even and avoid the scraggly one-off strands that stick up like a cow-lick. Trim around the edges of the lawn and throw a good dose of nitrogen on the lawn to “green” it up in no time.
Beds – Pull weeds, mulch the beds (fertil-mulch works great!) and make sure the line between the edge of the mulch and either grass or stone is clean and even.
Trees – trim, prune and shape plants, shrubs and trees and cut anything that touches the house back so bugs don’t get in and cause problems.
Monochromatic – going nuts with every type of color of plant or flower is overkill and can just look cluttered and messy. Stick to one tone if you plan on flowers that compliment your house color.
Container – this could go either way; buyers may want to keep the containers if you sell and if you plan on taking them with you, you’ll need to write them in the offer and listing description but container gardens can really add an eye-popping catch to the outside of a home, on either side of the garage entrance or at the front door.
Learn more about container gardens here.
More tips for those listing their house this year from the experts:
Check for and Make Repairs
The last thing you want to happen is for a cabinet door to fall off during a showing. It is really important to check all around the home for anything that may need some TLC or repairs. I’m not saying to have the roof replaced because a shingle blew off, but things like leaky faucets, burnt-out light bulbs, and loose cabinet doors should be in top working condition. If the home is remembered as well maintained, potential buyers will feel more at ease when it comes time to make an offer. – Ellen Bruya, Snohomish County Real Estate Agent
Prepare Your Home for Showings
Once you’ve given the exterior of your home the touch of charm it needed, you’ll want to move inside and get your home ready for potential buyers to envision them living their lives here. Each room should be cleaned top to bottom, including the windows and the baseboards! Remove any furniture that is crowding the room, and make sure each room has its own function. – Alexander Gutierrez, Mesquite NV Realtor®
For example, a three-bedroom home will appeal to the largest number of buyers if all three rooms are shown as bedrooms, as opposed to one being a room for storage. Once you’ve gone through your home and packed up some things to present it in its best possible light, you’ll be on your way to attracting an offer.
Need help fixing up your landscaping and curb appeal before you list? Let First Fruits Landscaping help with all your landscaping and curb appeal needs! Call us today for a quote!
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