Happy Spring, Everyone!
It’s that wonderful time of year when it feels the world has come back to life . . .
The days are longer, lawns become greener, flowers bloom, and the sweet sound of birdsong greets you as the day unfolds.
It’s also that time of year when real estate is most active, with buyers on the look-out for their next, new spot.
As the saying goes, first impressions matter. When selling a home, you want to put your best foot forward to attract potential buyers as well as the best offer.
"Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity."
Below are 10 easy and inexpensive steps for great curb appeal, preparing your home to sparkle and shine. They also help enhance your home if you plan to stay-put.
10 Easy and Inexpensive Steps for Great Curb Appeal
1. Pick up any clutter. This includes items on porches and entrances and throughout the yard. Bikes, toys, sports gear, lawn ornaments, and trash barrels should be put away and neatly stored. 2. Enhance the lawn. Lawns should be raked and mowed, but not too short to keep it healthy. The spring also is a good time to add grass seed to an existing lawn to fill in thin or patchy areas. When watering, sprinkle lawns sparingly in the morning, not evening, to conserve water resources. Remember to keep your lawn care “green” to avoid adding harmful chemicals to the soil, water, and environment. Click here for more natural lawn care tips. 3. Add potted plants. Plants add natural ambiance and vibrancy to your setting. Consider potted trees, topiaries, or flowered plants for splashes of color and life.
4. Paint exterior doors. With just a gallon of paint and a little time, you can give your doors a nice clean, polished finish. Consider also painting porch floors, ceiling, and steps, if needed. This will give a crisp and solid appearance to your home.
5. Power wash the exterior. Power washing is a great and easy way to remove dirt, mildew, and moss on exterior siding and decks. Power washers can be rented from hardware stores such as Home Depot or Lowe's or your local rental company.
6. Clean the gutters. Gutters are an important item in home maintenance. Leaves often accumulate, blocking the flow of rainwater away from your home. Check your gutters and remove leaves as needed to avoid water damage.
7. Refresh outdoor furniture. Look at your outdoor furniture with fresh eyes. Does it look new and inviting? If not, consider enhancing with a fresh coat of paint or removing altogether. Patio furniture often can be restored with a quick coat of spray paint. (Don’t attempt this on a windy day!)
8. Fix small repairs. Inspect your home for small issues that may arise, such as ripped screens, burned out light bulbs, chipped paint, or broken hardware. They may be minor but home-buyers expect items to work and be in tip-top shape.
9. Update lighting.
Do your light fixtures look dated? It is easy to replace them with new fixtures, many of which are available for a reasonable price. It’s amazing how much style this small detail adds to the character of your home. Your home will literally glow!
10. Add finishing touches. Replace tired-looking door mats as well as rusty or faded mailboxes. Remember you want everything to look crisp and new. Lastly, add an attractive, seasonal wreath to the front door.
Collectively, these items provide a warm invitation that say, “Welcome Home!” Whether you plan to sell or stay put, your actions also bring good cheer to your family, friends, and neighbors. You might inspire others and start a home improvement trend, as well!
______________________ If you are interested in selling, buying, or investing, please contact us—we would be glad to help.
We offer award-winning marketing and design, 30 years of legal real estate experience, and more than $100 million dollars of successful real estate transactions, making us a one-stop-shop for selling your home.
Our services include pre-listing preparation, to brokerage, to closing. We will handle the many legal needs that arise for your property, ensuring a smooth transaction of your valuable asset.
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New England Classic Homes is a real estate agency representing sellers, buyers, and investors. We are pleased to offer real estate brokerage for sellers and buyers, legal counsel and tax planning from offer to closing, award-winning marketing of your home, and staging preparation—all under one roof.
"We can help with your success. Think of us as your real estate coaches who can help fulfill your dreams."
Contact us today at 978.724.3500 or at info@neclassichomes.com.