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You hear much about curb appeal when you're reading through real estate blogs, but what does that actually mean? Is it lots of colorful flowers or perfect landscaping? What about exterior artwork or a decorative mailbox?
What it’s not
So, you probably already have more than a general idea of what curb appeal is, but here is what it is not:
It isn’t your house sticking out like a sore thumb in the neighborhood. That means that if all your neighbors have upgraded landscaping and yours is the only one that has rocks and dirt or dead patches of grass, the folks that stop by to see your home will plan on getting it as a fixer-upper or at least at a steep discount.
It’s also not having tons of water features and garden gnomes on your front lawn. And while re-purposing a toilet to be a flower bed might garner you a second look from drivers-by, it won’t endear you to homebuyers. And it certainly isn’t add-ons that fail to match the rest of the exterior.
What it is
In real estate parlance, curb appeal means anything that adds to a home’s exterior and is visible from the street. From landscaping to roofing upgrades; new windows to concrete treatments the driveway and sidewalks, anything that visibly positively catches the eye increases its curb appeal.
How to get it
The first best way to get curb appeal is to keep what you already have. That is, keep your lawn, roof, siding, stucco or brick, fences, doors, and windows in top condition. Fix anything that breaks. Paint what needs painting. Repair the roof after a storm. Repair or replace a broken or damaged garage door. Water and trim the lawn or replace it with eco-friendly and attractive xeriscape. Handle all upkeep on a regular basis so that when the time comes to sell, you don't have a lot of refurbishing to do and can concentrate instead on those little "extras" that set your home just a little above the rest.
With all the regular stuff handled, you can spend a little bit more on adding colorful plants and planter boxes, painting the door a cheerful, inviting color, and perhaps changing out the carriage lights for something new. And when the curb appeal is well in hand, focus on the inside to get that top dollar return.
If you need help determining which items provide the most curb appeal in your neighborhood, reach out to a local realtor.
Before you list your residence, you'll want to consider your home selling price closely. By doing so, you can improve your chances of generating significant interest in your home without sacrificing any potential profits.
Ultimately, finding the best home selling price can be quick and easy – here are three tips to help you do just that.
1. Perform a Real Estate Market Analysis
Evaluate how your house stacks up against the competition by performing a real estate market analysis. This will enable you to collect a broad assortment of housing market data and set an aggressive price for your house based on the current real estate sector's conditions.
As part of a real estate market analysis, take a look at the prices of local houses that are similar to your own. This will help you establish a price range for residences in your city or town.
Also, check out the prices of recently sold homes in your region. This housing market information will help you differentiate between a buyer's market and a seller's market and ensure you can price your residence appropriately.
2. Get Your Home Appraised
A home appraisal offers many benefits for a home seller that extend beyond establishing the best home selling price.
During a home appraisal, a property inspector will examine a residence both inside and out. Then, he or she will offer an inspection report that outlines a house's strengths and weaknesses as well as the present value of a house.
When it comes to figuring out the best home selling price, a home appraisal is ideal. This appraisal will make it easy for you to establish a competitive price for your home from the get-go. Plus, it may help you uncover innovative ways to improve the condition of your house before you add your residence to the real estate market.
3. Consult with a Real Estate Agent
Although a home seller may conduct a comprehensive real estate market analysis and receive a home appraisal as he or she evaluates the best home selling price, nothing beats working with a real estate agent. In fact, a real estate agent is happy to provide expert home selling assistance and ensure that you can get the best results possible at each stage of the home selling journey.
A real estate agent will learn about your home selling goals and help you map out the home selling journey accordingly.
For example, if you're in a hurry to sell your house, a real estate agent can help you set an aggressive price that results in a quick home sale. On the other hand, if you're dedicated to maximizing the value for your residence, a real estate agent will make it simple to optimize your home selling profit.
With a real estate agent at your side, establishing the best home selling price should be no trouble at all. This housing market professional will go above and beyond the call of duty to support your home selling goals and guarantee that you can enjoy a seamless home selling experience.
