CHAPTER 12 Using Curb Appeal to Sell Your Inherited Home for More
The landscaping, physical exterior, and facade of a home are important aspects for consideration when preparing any home for sale. This task is perhaps more difficult in the case of inherited property, as the inheriting owner may not be intimately familiar with the property. Study its “curb appeal” well the first time you drive up after taking ownership, as this is vital if you want to sell your inherited home for an appropriately profitable price. Curb appeal (the overall attractiveness of your home from the street) is the opening gambit in showing your home and has surprising sway over the amount of offers you receive.
WHY CURB APPEAL AFFECTS THE SALE
Nothing sets the tone of a relationship or transaction more than first impressions. Envision how a potential home buyer sees your house as he or she drives up to your curb for the first time. Think of curb appeal as a department store window—designed to draw you in to see what else is inside. A potential buyer looks for signs indicating how well the home has been maintained. Neglect and disorder outside imply shabbiness inside. If the exterior has a lawn that is well-manicured and the exterior shows that maintenance is kept up to an appealing standard, it shows that the current homeowner takes pride in their property’s aesthetics. Conversely, if buyers see neglect or decay, there is a good chance they will take that sole impression away with them and go elsewhere. As most buyers look online first to see general photos, curb appeal 80
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