| You may think that selling a house is all down to | | | | How does the front lawn look, is it green and nicely |
| photos and web sites these days, but you would be | | | | edged with straight lines along its pathways? If it looks |
| surprised to know how many prospective buyers will | | | | a little bare would you consider spending a hundred |
| have their own 'drive-by' before they ask an agent | | | | bucks on some bushes and trees? |
| about your home. According to statistics, 80% of new | | | | A group of pretty leafy plants in pots placed in the |
| home buyers go on to the Internet and use the realty | | | | center or to one side of your yard or front door will |
| web sites on their own and then check things out | | | | add some instant eye appeal. Add a couple of rocks |
| before they speak to your listing realtor. | | | | for aesthetic appeal and you have instant landscaping! |
| How will your home stand up to a drive-by... right now? | | | | You can leave the shrubs in their pots and move them |
| Real estate agents call it 'curb appeal' - obviously | | | | with you if you become attached to them. |
| because it is relating to the impression that your home | | | | This is the time of year when you can pick up |
| will give to someone who is sitting outside the house at | | | | inexpensive gardening items on sale. Consider buying |
| the curb, in their car - eying up your home! Mostly curb | | | | some of those easy to install 'push-in' garden lights. |
| appeal applies to the exterior, as the interior is usually | | | | Even when they are not alight they still look attractive. |
| out of sight from this angle. | | | | If you have to have your cord of wood showing, at |
| The fact that it has a name means that curb appeal is | | | | least make sure that it is stacked neatly. Leave the |
| an important part of house selling. To give your home | | | | tarp off it for a while; wood looks more attractive than |
| curb appeal - think spring clean; the operative word | | | | a piece of plastic sheeting. |
| here is PICKY! No old newspapers or junk mail lying | | | | Be sure to get into the habit of parking your vehicle |
| about, no recycle bins and not a weed in sight. | | | | inside the garage and keep the garage door closed. |
| House selling can make a person into an eternal | | | | This way the entire appearance of the home is not |
| nagger! Teenagers wash their car and leave the | | | | broken up by a car being stuck in the front of it. |
| sponge and bucket on the driveway; younger kids | | | | Exterior house lights, including garage lights, are an |
| come in and drop pucks and gloves at the front door | | | | asset to a prospective home buyer; they are like a |
| and bikes are always hastily dumped on the driveway | | | | luxury that is thrown in. If you have exterior lamps that |
| while the owner goes in search of a drink! | | | | do not use, put light bulbs in them and keep them on in |
| But these items can be temporary; do you have any | | | | the evenings. |
| permanent fixtures that must be moved? Where do | | | | Likewise, be sure to have a warm glowing light bulb for |
| you keep your garbage bins? They must be kept | | | | the exterior light that is at your front door; this way |
| around the back, out of sight, at least for the duration | | | | your home will look welcoming and the inviting |
| of the sale of your home. The inconvenience can be | | | | ambiance may subconsciously tempt a prospective |
| worked around. | | | | buyer to check further into your home. |