Real Estate Home Selling Advice to Help You Attract Potential (3)

Landscaping Decisions

There are times that adding elements to your landscaping can improve
curb appeal, but there are other times when removing something is even
more effective.

For example, we had a listing for a large brick house with large white
columns. Tall evergreens, planted in front of each column, had grown
taller than the roof. They obscured the columns and windows and made
it difficult to see the front of the house.

We suggested that the owner remove them. She trimmed them back, but it
didn't do the trick—they were unattractive and still kept potential
buyers from seeing the true character of the house.
I sold the house to a couple who could see past the trees. One of
their first tasks after closing was to yank them out of the ground,
instantly boosting the home's curb appeal.
Most buyers cannot visualize changes, and often won't take a second
look at a house if the first look doesn't appeal to them. Home buyers
who can visualize changes, and are prepared to make them, expect you
to reduce the price of the house to compensate for the work they plan
to do.

A Few Curb Appeal Tips
• If you can budget it, a fresh paint job does wonders for a dingy
house. Drive around your town to find color schemes that are
appealing.
• Install a more attractive front door, maybe something with leaded
glass inserts.
• If you can't justify the cost of a new door, consider replacing
plain doorknob hardware with something more attractive.
• If new hardware is beyond your budget, repaint or stain the door and
polish the hardware?
If you brainstorm, you'll find that there's a solution to most
problems—one that lets you stay within your budget. The trick is to
find the areas where improvements are needed, then work on them as
best you can.