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Increase Home Value with Curb Appeal

What can a person do to increase their home’s value?  This is a question I get asked a lot as a Realtor.  Before answering this question, I would first like to say that many homes on the market today sell for much less than they should       because many times the sellers are unwilling to make the necessary improvements to bring their homes’ value up to par.  When I come across sellers that are unsure about the benefits of making the small improvements to receive the most amount of money for their home, I have to ask myself how motivated are they to sell.   Eventually, they always get on board, except sometimes it’s too late and their homes become stale on the market.  This happens because when the home hits the market it is fresh and gets the most attention during the first 21 days.

Where do you start?

I suggest you first start with putting yourself into your prospective buyers’ shoes.  Start by walking around your home and check the following:

-        Exterior Paint

-        Window Screens

-        Rotten Wood on Fascia Boards, Soffit and siding

-        Landscaping

-        Trees

Paint

If the paint is peeling, then repaint yourself or have someone do it.  You’ll be amazed at what a coat of paint can do for curb appeal

Window Screens

They are inexpensive to have replaced.  If torn, replace with solar screens.  They are more energy efficient and look great and give the outside nice curb appeal

Rotten Wood

If you decide it’s time to paint, then you have to assume that you might also have some places where the weather has caused rotting.  Most painters will replace any rotten wood before painting.

Landscaping

On average, you should take the square footage of you home and multiple the number times ten cents.  I would recommend spending this amount as a minimum before putting your home on the market.  For example: A 2000 sqft home could expect to spend $200 on plants, flowers and mulch. 

Trees

Overgrown trees rubbing on the shingles are a no-no.  You’ll want to have any trees and shrubs trimmed for a nice manicured look.

Conclusion

Do the above things first, and you can count on your home getting noticed immediately when it hits the market.  Remember, these are the very first items a buyer looks at before anything else.  If you can’t get them in the door, you’ll never make the sale.  Trust me on this one…it’s worth every penny for a quick sale and to get the most money while increasing your home’s value.

Thanks,
Jeannie Rogers
Rogers United Realty
832-885-5445

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