First impressions are the most important. This is a concept that many homeowners trying to sell their homes and first-time real estate investors trying to sell or rent a property do not understand. The exterior appeal is the first impression when it comes to a home. This is the place that you, as an investor or seller, want potential buyers to consider your home. For this reason, you should pay close attention and devote some time and effort to making the exterior of the home attractive and appealing to potential buyers or tenants.
One of the first things people will notice is peeling paint and dull or faded colors on the exterior. Vinyl siding is often appealing because it is easy to clean and refresh. It also happens to be fairly low maintenance, which often appeals to both buyers and renters. However, some will argue that siding detracts from a home's potential personality. To each their own on this one, as it is a personal decision on the part of the buyer and seller. Regardless, a clean, crisp paint job or siding makes a better impression than an apparent state of disrepair.
Remember that first impressions are important. If the exterior of the house is rather unimpressive, potential buyers are very likely to discover the diamond that is the interior of your home. Another thing you can do to add exterior appeal is to plant low-maintenance flowers and plants around the exterior of your home. You don't want to invest in plants that require constant care, nor do you want to invest heavily in plants that will grow out of control and become difficult to manage. At least you won't want to plant them around the exterior of your home that faces the street. Shrubs and vines work well in many cases along fences surrounding the property or as a privacy dividing line between your property and neighboring properties.
If you live in an area that is not conducive to green grass, you may want to consider some type of hybrid that can thrive with less water or choose some type of landscaping that does not rely on large open patches of grass to be beautiful, such as xeriscaping. The point is to make the house as attractive on the outside as you hope those who view the property will find the inside.
Another thing to keep in mind when making updates is to clean your sidewalks and driveway if it is concrete. It's amazing what a high-powered pressure washer can do for your sidewalks, driveway, and/or front porch. However, don't stop there; take the time to make sure your doors and windows are clean as well. These little things often make the biggest impression. If you take proper care of the exterior of your home and keep it looking nice and shiny, it is likely (in the buyer's mind) that you have taken the same care of the interior of the home they are now considering.
Taking the extra time to ensure that the exterior of your home is appealing to buyers can translate into higher and faster offers than neglecting the essential real estate between the front door and the sidewalk. Don't overlook this powerful tip, and you should enjoy a little more success in your efforts to sell your home or investment property.
