We tend to focus on big picture solutions to curb appeal, but the little details matter just as much—if not more—to potential buyers. Ideally, a home should be pristine and neutral—a blank canvas primed to become the buyer’s dream home.
In reality, the seller will need to prioritize which curb appeal mistakes are most important to avoid. Here are 5 small but vital details that should not be overlooked.
Dead Plants and Weeds in the Garden
If you think of curb appeal in terms of triage, then the flowerbeds should be your first stop. Ensure that the beds are cleaned up even if you don’t add new plantings. Dead plants are worse than no plants! They give the property a rundown, depressing atmosphere. Out-of-season perennials should be pruned back so that they can flourish again in the spring.
Cars in the Driveway
When the owner’s car is parked in the driveway of the property, it makes photos look cluttered and can obscure part of the home. Not ideal. It also signals that the owner doesn’t use the garage for its intended purpose. Is that because the house is too small and the garage ends up being used as storage? That’s not a question you want potential buyers asking, so make sure the cars are stowed out of sight.
Beat-Up Front Door
The front door of any home is going to see a lot of use, so wear and tear is understandable. However, it’s also one of the biggest chances to make a good first impression on prospective buyers. Make sure that the door is cleaned up! Slap on a fresh coat of paint and perform any needed repairs. Don’t neglect the hardware, which often ends up tarnished or buried under layers of old paint.
Too Much Personality
Once the owners have decided to sell, they need to adjust the way they think about the home. It’s no longer strictly theirs; instead, the property should be a blank canvas to inspire the buyer. That means all those quirky details—I’m looking at you, ironic lawn flamingos—should be packed up. The sellers can decorate their next home to their heart’s content, but for now, the property might need a make-under.
Burned-Out Light Bulbs
It doesn’t get much more minor than a burned-out bulb. And yet it makes a big difference in terms of curb appeal. Check to make sure that all the lights—both indoor and out—are working correctly. Might as well get a case of bulbs to replace any lights that are too bright or too dim while you’re at it. A consistent soft white light throughout the property is ideal for photographs, video, and in-person open houses.
