CURB APPEAL: THE FIRST PART OF DESIGN FOR SELLERS

As real estate agents, “home” is not just our passion, it is a large part of our lives. I am always seeking new and improved ways to advise my clients by staying on top of trends through shared ideas.

5. Update the front door. One of the first things we see is the front door. Replacing or repainting the front door with a whimsical, formal or stylish alternative can be impactful for a major focal point.

Michael Boateng President and Founder Capital Gold Group Real Estate

6710 Rockledge Drive

Bethesda, MD

(301)296-4408

I enjoy observing how homeowners are expressing their personalities through color, landscaping, maintenance and by presenting a cohesive look. So, when advising my clients on preparing their homes for sale, curb appeal is always first on my list. The exterior of a home is the first thing that buyers see, and it can make or break their interest in the property. Here are my 10 tips for improving curb appeal, which you can pass on to your sellers:

1. Power wash from top to bottom. Remove any dirt, moss or grime from the home's roof, siding, sidewalks and driveway.

2. Repair any damage. Homeowners often overlook what potential buyers will see right away. Sellers should address any visible damage before listing a home. Crucial items include broken shutters, chipped paint, loose siding or gutters, cracked sidewalks, uneven stairs and broken railings.

3. Update the mailbox. The best upgrade is a newer, more stylish mailbox that complements the home's exterior, but a fresh, well-applied coat of suitable spray paint can also make a big difference.

4. Upgrade the house numbers. New, attractive and easy-to-read house numbers that complement the style and color of the home and are visible to potential buyers can make a powerful impression.

6. Clean up the yard. Sellers should aim for a well-manicured yard by seeding bare spots, removing any debris, de-cluttering, mowing the lawn, pulling weeds, trimming hedges and blowing off any residual debris from walkways and decks.

7. Color check. Adding pops of color to the yard with potted plants, colorful flowers, variegated shrubs and blooming trees makes the home look more inviting.

8. Add outdoor lighting. Highlighting landscaping and pathways adds visual interest, improves safety and adds a sense of security. Choose lighting that complements the home.

9. Keep it simple. Don't go overboard by overcrowding the front yard with too many plants or another décor like, chairs, benches, gnomes and the like. Give buyers an opportunity to see their own belongings in the yard.

10. Hire a professional. Time is money, so if sellers are too busy or feel they do not have the skills to do this on their own, recommend professional landscapers.

I hope these 10 tips on curb appeal are beneficial to you and your sellers, helping them to see an optimal return on their investment while creating an inviting entrance to their home. It is just one more way we agents can give back to our clients while also making the world a better place to live.

Carlos Vaz CEO Conti Capital info@conticapital.com