Why Curb Appeal is So Important
Regardless of market conditions, today's buyers are extremely savvy. And when it comes to listing and marketing luxury and high-end homes, creating an experiential event with your home in both digital and in-person touch points is crucial. Obviously the first IN-PERSON touch point a buyer has with your home is known as curb appeal. In other words, making the property as pretty as it can be. Think of it this way: what will the potential Buyer see, hear, and smell? What emotion does the overall feel of your home evoke? What will their first impression be?
Here's some very simple steps you can take when selling your home:
- Be sure to wash the years of dirt off your driveway, your sidewalk, and off your home with a gentle powerwash tailored to the finish of your home's exterior. The salt air of our coastal environment can be especially tough on wood decking and siding, so make sure those elements are clean and properly treated with premium paint or stain.
- You also want to pay special attention to the front door. As an agent, it takes a few seconds for me to open a lockbox and this gives the buyer a chance to really look at your entryway while they’re waiting to get in. So take a moment to make sure the door’s hardware is in good condition, the door is clean and fresh, and the lights are free of cobwebs. You wouldn't believe the number of luxury properties I show to Buyer-clients where the front door access is not well manicured simply because the owners access the home from a garage or other door.
- Work with your agent on staging your home. Staging really helps when it comes to helping the buyer visualize themselves living there. Most of all it makes your home stand out by showcasing the very best features of your home to prospective buyers. A professionally staged home can sell for as much as 10% more than homes that aren’t. This includes your outdoor living spaces. (Professional staging is included as a part of my concierge Seller Service.)
- It's my strong opinion that professional photography and video be a part of every home's marketing plan. Pictures tell the story of your home, they showcase the very best features of your home and entice buyers to book a showing. Need I say more?
- You must have a showing plan. Buyers and their agents may request a showing of your home at any time without giving you much notice. So until your home is under contract, you have to be prepared to accommodate those last minute showing requests. A few things you can do is to plan simpler meals for easy clean up and make plans for some outdoor activities. Also, it's preferable to have your pets out of the home during showings. So plan on taking them with you, or maybe have a friend or family member help you out.
- And don't forget the 3D's...deep clean, declutter and depersonalize.
As a listing agent, it's my priority to ensure your home's marketing presentation is exceptional and creates an unforgettable experience for potentail buyers.
Feel free to reach out if you would like more information about my Seller Services. I'm here to assist with all of your real estate needs.
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