Did you fall in love with your home at first sight? If you did, you’re not shallow, you’re just human.

When you’re selling a house, potential buyers love to be able to see themselves living in your home. What features sell buyers on your home and increase its curb appeal and sale price?

1. It’s Well-Scrubbed

It takes imagination to see beyond the dirty and broken-down exterior of a home and see the beauty that it could become. Don’t make potential buyers exercise their imagination in this way: give them a house that’s move-in ready and obviously low-maintenance. Busy people, young families, and retirees will all appreciate the fact that they don’t have to do much to make the house look good. Before you have an open house, you need to clean up your home’s exterior:

• Clean your gutters inside and out
• Clean your windows
• Clean off your siding
• Paint your home

2. It’s Neat

Keep your home looking visually tidy, and you’ll impress potential buyers. If you have areas of your home that are looking a little worse for wear, repair or replace them. For example, you might repair damaged siding, remove old patio furniture, or add awnings to your home to give it a tidy, finished look.

According to Consumer Reports, a third of real estate professionals say that you need to focus on the roof because consumers will do the same. If you’re thinking of selling in the next few years and your roof needs repairs, repair it now and reap the benefits now and when you sell. Consider everything that goes around the roof as well: for example, getting a gutter replacement will help you keep your future roof maintenance low as you’ll ensure that water can move easily from the roof to the ground.

3. Pay Attention to Pathways and Seating Areas

If your prospective buyers in indulging in a walk-through as well as a drive-by viewing, they’ll be walking up your driveway, onto your pathways, and onto decks and patios. These exterior improvements are noticeable because they’re underfoot, and they’re also a substantial expense for a new homeowner. Over time, replace your driveway, wash and replace your pathways and line them with flowers, and fix any rotten boards on your decks and patios. This investment will pay off when your future buyers walk in.

4. Show Some Love

While people enjoy putting their own spin on decorating, they’ll also love personal touches that show that you have enjoyed the home as well. Add a seat with decorative pillows to the porch, or paint the front door in a vibrant color. Add flower beds to the front lawn, or install hardscaping that you’ll enjoy and that you hope that others will enjoy in the future. Your potential buyers will notice the fact that you’ve cared for this home.

5. It’s Seasonally Appropriate

Don’t underestimate the power of decorating. It’s what makes a house feel like a home right away. Whether it’s an autumn wreath or a planter with spring crocuses, tasteful decorating helps make people feel at home on your property. Make your decorating attractive to everyone: plants, wreaths, and seating areas with seasonal flowers go over well with the majority of prospective buyers.

When you’re making exterior improvements to your home, contact Harry Helmet. We’re here to help you with the projects that will enhance your home’s value: gutter replacement, roofing, and awnings. View our photo gallery and schedule an appointment today.

Written by Del Thebaud