Never judge a book by its cover. We all say that, but we do it nonetheless. So too, home buyers in Oakland County Michigan will judge your home before they even drive up to the curb. They’ll view the exterior of your home online and instantly decide to click on its description and interior photos…or move on. If your home doesn’t photograph well, you’re likely to lose buyers who will harshly dismiss it early on. Even if the photo looks great online, if they drive up to your home and it’s not sharp in-person, they may just keep on driving — never to return. What can you do to ensure your home looks great on the outside? You are probably familiar with staging your home on the inside, where you make each room picture perfect (think model home) using the items you already have while storing away items that don’t contribute to “the look.” In today’s market, smart sellers take those same merchandising ideas and apply them to the outside of homes. Think like a buyer who is walking up to your front door — and start taking notes. Then consider how much better your home would look if you implemented even a handful of the following ideas. Front Door Sweep around the front door step, and be sure all landscaping is perfect from sidewalks and steps to borders and paths. Give your front door a good washing — or a coat of stain or paint. Replace the door knob, kick plate, door knocker, mail slot. If your key sticks or you need to “jiggle” it to work, oil or replace the lock. Make sure the doorbell works and the housing isn’t cracked or peeling paint. Add a new mat, wreath on the door and a potted plant nearby. Windows & Trim Check the roof and inquire with a local handyman or roofing company on how best to remove mildew, moss or dirt from shingles. Clean the gutters and down spouts — and clean up the mess that can arise after this cleaning! Pressure-wash the exterior of your home to get rid of dirt, moss, spider webs and mildew. Inspect windows, trim, door frames, hand railings, etc. and have any peeling paint sanded and painted. Hire a window cleaner to get all the windows sparkling clean. Repair or replace torn or stretched screens. Repair, replace or remove decorative shutters and trim. Ensure all doors — including garage doors — are easily accessible, clean and easy to open, close and lock. Landscaping Hire a company to professionally trim landscaping, edge, mulch, fertilize, remove weeds and cut your lawn regularly (or do it yourself like a pro). Make sure all windows, doors and special features of the house are not blocked by bushes, trees or overhanging greenery. If you need some color around the front of your home, add potted or in-ground plants in bloom. Be sure to remove yard debris on a regular basis and rake up clippings and leaves. Outdoor Living If you have a deck, patio, gazebo, walkways or other seating area, be sure it’s swept, perhaps even power washed. Set up seating/dining areas as though an outdoor party could spontaneously happen. Keep all chairs and tables set up in an organized fashion. Gather all kids’ toys and store them in a garage, shed or in a neat pile in a corner of the yard. Be sure the playground — if you have one — is in working order; tighten screws, oil hinges, paint or replace elements as necessary. If you have a pool, make sure it shines by hiring a company to get it cleaned up and ready to go for the new owners. Pay the same attention to spas/outdoor hot tubs and other water features. Other Tips Hide garbage cans and recycling bins behind the house or in the garage or carport. Wind hoses and put away sprinklers after use. Put away all yard tools and machines. Make sure there are no standing pools of water, weeds and leaves, yard waste and unwanted items lying around.If you address these items, buyers will find your home welcoming, and they’ll want to go inside to see more. Contact us for details on how best to get your home ready to sell
