already be made, but that doesn’t mean you can skimp on backyard appeal. In fact, it makes it even more crucial to a sale for more money. When prospective buyers reach the backyard, they will try to envision themselves relaxing, having family and friends over, and playing with children or their pets. It’s your job as the seller to make that vision work for them. To ensure your lawn looks more than acceptable, go over it with the lawnmower, and add seed and fertilizer where it’s needed. If you have a pool or a hot tub, make sure the cover is off and the water is sparkling clean. Add flowers if you don’t have any. Don’t go overboard and clutter the yard with them. Patio furniture helps make your backyard feel more welcoming and will paint a picture of your backyard’s entertainment potential.
DRIVE-BY APPEAL
Potential buyers may quickly drive by your home or park out front to see it for the first time, envisioning themselves driving up to the curb. Keep your windows and front door in pristine condition. Touch up your garage. “Lived in” is not the look that you’re going for. Ensure the exterior has fresh paint, the lawn is well manicured without looking too high-maintenance, your windows are washed, and you don’t have any dead flowers in your garden. If your roof needs repair that you can’t do prior to listing, get reputable quotes for the price of the work and deduct that cost from the sale price.
STAGING FOR EFFECT
When preparing for sale, think of your home as a movie or stage play set, arranged precisely for the intended purpose — to earn you more money on the sale of your home. Home staging is preparing, dressing up, and presenting the for-sale house to appear especially attractive and welcoming to any prospective buyer. Staging applies equally well to single-family houses,
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