dead shrubbery and a weather-worn exterior.
A potential buyer is looking for signs indicating how well the home has been cared for and maintained over a long period. The buyer can be influenced by signs showing the type of home owner currently living there. Packaging sells! Starting at the curb, a well-manicured lawn and fresh appearance of the exterior demonstrates that the home owner is up to an appealing standard and shows that the current home owner takes pride in the property’s aesthetics. The outside appearance of your property should serve as an invitation to come inside. Beyond aesthetics, the buyer will be looking for evidence of wear, tear, and neglect. Buyers who are greeted with peeled paint, trash, and dead or unkempt lawns will assume that a home neglected on the outside is neglected inside as well. Look at your home as a prospect would. Drive up to the curb and take inventory of everything that needs attention. Simple improvements such as weeding, trimming, and window washing can improve the appearance of a home with little to no expense. Repair and repainting are costlier, but often have a good effect on time-to-sale or sale price. Low-cost investments such as power washing the house and concrete, repainting trim, and adding landscaping also give your house more curb appeal. But, before you do anything, do yourself a favor and research the most reputable, certified home inspection companies in town or call your Realtor for some suggestions and get your home pre- inspected before you put your house on the market. Why? That way, if there are any major surprises or any repairs at all, for that matter, you can take your time researching and finding qualified and reputable contractors, get several estimates, discuss with your Realtor what makes sense to repair, replace or simply address in the marketing that will still give buyers "peace-of-mind"
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