When buyers see your home's profile photo online, they need to be impressed enough that they request a tour.
Since the profile image is always an exterior shot, it's a big boost if your curb appeal is impressive.
And that means no overgrown landscape, cracked driveway, missing or worn roof shingles, faded exterior paint, or mildewed vinyl siding.
These are the kinds of things that make buyers think you have ignored home maintenance. Buyers want a nice, new place to live, not a project house.
I usually encourage sellers to tackle DIY projects for staging, but some repairs call for professionals.
These are the jobs that require the know-how and equipment most homeowners don't have. Typically the money spent on these repairs will pay off in a faster sale at a better price. Here are the four most common exterior fixes that are wise investments.
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| If your current landscape needs a complete overhaul, a professional team can work quickly to add hardscape and plants to create an impressive entrance. |
Landscape refresh
No matter the time of year, or the style your landscape, it's understandable that yardwork can get ahead of you. It's never just a little mowing or pulling a few weeds!
When it's time to list your home, you may need a one-time visit by a lawn service company. Depending on the size of your lot and the size of the company you hire, they could mow grass, edge beds, prune shrubs, kill weeds, and add mulch all in one day.
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| A home's landscape need not be fancy. What matters to buyers is that it is neat and healthy and not a maintenance nightmare. |
If you have older trees on your property, they are bound to need some attention. Trees become problems when they overhang or grow too close to the house (as in photo at very top.) They create a danger in a fire or storm. Older trees often develop diseases, weakening them. Whenever I've had trees removed that were growing too close to a structure, it's improved the appearance of the property and made it safer.
Hire an experienced, local company that's been in business for a good length of time. Do your research, check reviews, and get a quote. Ask them to grind any stumps and any limbs or trees you've removed (unless diseased) because the wood chips can be used as free mulch on your property.
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| It's important to remove distracting garden art that becomes the focal point of your landscape. Political or controversial signs should not be part of your yard. |
Pavement resurface
An asphalt driveway has a lifespan of about 30 years. How old is your drive? Over three decades its surface has become dull, uneven, and cracked. A professional paving company can regrade and resurface your drive to make it look new.
Your home's walkways or other concrete areas often need attention when it's time to sell. Just like asphalt driveways, paved areas need to look smooth and safe. If there are cracks or uneven spots, those are tripping hazards. And if strangers are touring your home with a Realtor, and they trip and fall, in some U.S. states, they can prove that you were at fault and you may have to pay damages.
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| Keep a copy of the payment and timing of paving. It can become part of your selling package a Realtor will show prospective buyers. Photo: O.Cooper Paving |
New roofing
Experienced buyers always look at a roof when they visit a home that interests them. They look for loose shingles, worn surfaces, and mismatched patches. Even top-quality asphalt shingles don't last forever. They can fade, warp, buckle, or develop dark spots.
My advice is to get quotes. You can start by asking on Nextdoor or any local listserve for recommendations. Most roofing companies have crews that finish the job quickly. If the roof itself is still sound, sometimes new shingles can be added over the old ones, saving time.
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| If your online profile includes drone photography, the condition of your roof will be apparent. |
Clean vinyl siding
Vinyl siding is popular because it's durable, economical, energy-efficient, and easy to maintain. In fact, the only upkeep it needs is a good pressure washing to remove accumulated dirt and dust. In humid climates, mildew grows on its surface, leaving it dull and spotted. That's when vinyl siding needs a good pressure washing.
You could rent a pressure washer, but if your time is money, or if your home is a two-story structure, you should hire someone. Look for someone who does it regularly, and has a good pressure washer. He may want to use a solution made for vinyl. I like one called Spray and Walk Away that cleans not only vinyl siding, but roofs, outdoor furniture, walkways, decking, awnings, and more.
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| It can look like an easy DIY project, but without a professional pressure sprayer and some experience, the process can be time-consuming and yet the results can be disappointing. You can also damage wood surfaces or window screens. |
Get the look, get the book
We all know the importance of curb appeal but we sometimes overlook the value professional helpers add. At a time when you're preparing the interior of your home for those important interior images, hiring outside labor can be invaluable, saving you time and stress while they add to your home's value.
When you want more tips for taking your home to market, download my homestaging eBooks. They'll offer you nuts and bolts advice, practical inspiration, and encouragement. You can learn by my years of experience buying and staging and selling homes.