Increase Curb Appeal with Paint!

You only get one chance at making a first impression. This is especially true when you are trying to sell your home. In the real estate world a warm, welcoming and attractive exterior can make or break a home sale. According to Mary Harker, an associate realtor with Keller Williams, “People who prepare their homes both inside and out before they put them on the market are the ones who have quicker sales and who receive top dollar.” With over 88% of home buyers starting their search online, it is more important than ever that the exterior of the home be as close to picture perfect as possible. It is far too easy to “click” right by a home that looks run down or in need of painting or landscaping. Here are some tips from real estate professionals about painting and upkeep to get you optimal curb appeal.

Clean it Up – Get the grunge, dirt and mildew off your home with a professional powerwash of both your exterior facade, decking and driveway. Realtors Online reports that washing a house can add $10-$15 thousand to the sale prices of some houses. Jerry Enos offers power washing that actually rejuvenates wood, concrete, vinyl, brick, and other surfaces by removing entire layers of built-up dirt and particulates, oil, gum, and other gunk. Stripping away the grunge to reveal the unsullied surface below actually protects that surface from future rot and UV damage.

Give the Paint A Face Lift – The most commonly offered curb appeal advice from real estate pros and appraisers is to give the exterior of your home a good paint job. Buyers will instantly notice it, and appraisers will value it. A freshly painted exterior sends a signal that the house is well maintained and that home buyers won’t have to shell out money to paint the exterior any time soon. Newly painted trim, facade, accents and front door can make a house pop and really wow the buyers at your open house and home viewing appointments.

Freshen the Entry – The front door and entry way can be a pivotal moment that leaves a lasting impression. Make sure all fixtures including the mailbox, lighting fixtures, door knocker and doorbell are clean and well painted. Spruce things up with plantings or new house numbers that can give the home a newly updated look.

According to a recent Zillow survey, real estate agents named curb appeal as one of the five most important factors in selling a home. Homes with strong curb appeal including fresh paint, fixtures, and plantings can fetch prices about 10 percent higher. Call Jerry Enos today if you plan to put your house on the market this spring and are looking for a facelift.

Categorised in: Curb Appeal