Get Instant Curb Appeal

It is amazing how many home sellers spend a considerable amount of time and money getting the interior of their home ready for showings.

Yet they pay almost no attention to that all-important exterior that gets the first look. As your real estate professional can tell you, some buyers will not even bother looking inside at all if the outside falls well below their expectations.

Even if you are successful in drawing prospective buyers inside, they have already started to form opinions about your home before they even step out of the car.

Therefore to step up your curb appeal on your property here are a few ideas that you can do yourself with very little expense and just a few hours work.

1. Make your front door pop with colour. Paint your front door in a rich contrasting colour that differs from the rest of your exterior. Be bold but not garish - wine red or royal blue will really draw the eye.
2. Upgrade your door with accessories. A new doorknocker, footplate, mailbox or house numbers will all take your doorway up a notch. When choosing new accessories, do not just pick what looks best at the store. Make sure they compliment the style and period of your architecture.
3. Spring-cleaning to the max. When the weather is right, improve your appeal by sweeping or even power washing the walk and driveway.
4. Add presence to your entranceway. It is easy to make a statement with the use of urns and planters. Try two black cast iron planters flanking your front walk or your porch. Use hardy, colorful plants that will last.
5. Use borrowed finery to create ambiance. Who says you have to break the bank to make a good first impression? Ask family and friends for the loan of some of their lawn furniture and ornaments while your home is up for sale.