#9 Curb Appeal IS the First Impression #HomeStaginginAlbuquerque

Home Staging Tips and Suggestions by Melinda Potcher

http://MAPConsultants.houzz.com

We’ve all seen the iconic photo of the house with the white picket fence, right?

I’m not saying that you should or would do that to YOUR house, but I am saying that curb appeal is an essential aspect of staging your house for sale.

In today’s competitive market, Buyers and Realtors are going to make a snap judgment about your house before they even walk up to the front door, based on your front yard landscaping, or lack thereof.

Even if you don’t have a lot of time or money to spend, there are little things you can give your attention to that will make a difference in the minds of Buyers and Realtors.

#1 – Clean it up – if there are spent flowers, leaves, withered and dead or dying plants, clean them up and get them out of there.  Sweep your front porch and walkway on a regular basis.  Get rid of those cobwebs around your porch ceiling and outdoor light fixtures.  

If you have lawn ornaments or other décor items on your front lawn, porch, courtyard or patio, please consult with your Realtor and Professional Home Stager (that would be me) on whether they should stay or they should go. 

Right before photo day (when you are getting ready to put the house on the market) I am suggesting you wash your windows or have them professionally cleaned, if you can afford it.  Vacuum the sills.  Wash the insides too.  If you have screens, take them down, hose them off, and put them back up – dust and dander can make them look shabby too.

#2 – Patch & Paint – as needed – look at your mailbox, your lamp post, your porch posts, your wood trim around your garage, etc.  If it is cracked, chipped, paint is peeling, giving it a fresh coat of paint will make a tremendous difference and for very little money. 

Additionally, be sure your house numbers are visible in 2 or 3 places – I suggest having the curb numbers painted if they are not already, as well as reflective adhesive numbers on your mailbox and easily seen house numbers on your house or garage.

#3 – Give it a Haircut – your lawn, your rose bushes, boxwood hedges and so forth – be sure to make the time to manicure the plantings in your front yard prior to putting your home on the market.

#4 – Grow something!  If you have opted for the “zero” landscape look (zero landscape and xeric landscape are mis-used terms here in Albuquerque, however humorous colloquialisms) add a couple colorful pots filled with fresh not fake flowers to add some curb appeal to your front yard or walk way.  

If you don’t like flowers, think of low maintenance grasses that could fill the pots.  Choose pots that will compliment not clash with your homes architecture and style.  Nothing feels more welcoming when folks drive up to your property than something of beauty growing on your property.