We’ve all been taught to not judge a book by its cover; however, in real estate, that all goes out the window. A lack of curb appeal can be deadly in today’s market. Your staging efforts inside will create enticing online photos, which will get buyers to schedule the showings. Effort toward the perfect curb appeal will get them inside. You really need to “wow” potential buyers from the moment they drive up. The following are my Top Tips for Winning Curb Appeal:

1. Sweep and power wash everything, including driveway, sidewalks, curb, siding and brick.
   

   Photo by Randy Wilhelm Painting & Power Washing, Inc.. See more traditional exterior designs
2. Repaint house and shutters, if needed.
   

   Photo by Advanced Home Exteriors. See more traditional exterior designs
3. Paint or stain the front door. A fun color on the door can create lasting interest.  
   

   Photo by Bardwell Homes. See more farmhouse exterior designs
4. Remove dead plants and trim overgrown shrubbery. It’s actually better to have no shrubs at all, rather than overgrown or dead ones.
5. Remove garden decor (gnomes, flags, gazing balls, team spirit signs, etc.)
   

   Photo by Best Hot Tubs "Hot Tub and Spa Experts". See more landscape designs
6. Remove basketball goal, if you have one.
7. Pull weeds, including those in the cracks of the driveway and sidewalk.
8. Wash windows, inside and out.
9. Add a new door mat.
10. Update the house numbers (or at least add a coat of spray paint to the old ones).
    

    Photo by Madson Design. See more craftsman entry designs
11. Update light fixtures, matching the style of the house.
    

    Photo by Studio III architects. See more modern exterior designs
12. Add flowers in window boxes, pots (on porch) or flower beds. Choose white flowers for the best buyer appeal.   
    

    See more traditional landscape designs
13. Add fresh mulch to beds. Choose cedar or classic black mulch.
    

    Photo by The Garden Gnome. See more spaces designs
14. Replace sod in dead spots, if needed. 
15. BONUS: Offer to mow and clean up the yard of any neighbors who could use the assistance. Speaking from personal experience, my husband mowed a neighboring yard right before our own Open House. The home a few doors down was up for rent, and the owner lived out of state. Buyers pay close attention to their potential neighbors when shopping for a new home. A little extra effort on your part will certainly pay off here.

Check out Put Your Money Where Your Paint Is to learn staging tips to WOW buyers on the inside!

If you need assistance with home staging or interior redesign, Sitting Pretty Redesign would love to help! Contact us today!