Don't Forget the Curb Appeal

When selling your Anchorage home, you know that you need to keep the interior of your home clean and ready to show at any time.  You get busy packing, working and taking care of your family's daily needs.  So, sometimes the exterior of your house can be neglected.  But, don't forget the curb appeal!

First impressions matter to Anchorage home buyers.  Your home's interior may rival the Taj Mahal.  But, if the outside looks like it belongs in the deepest jungles of the Amazon rainforest, those buyers may continue on their merry way without even stepping out of the car.  You need to make your home inviting so that they will want to come in to see what it has to offer.

First step is to take an honest look at the exterior of your home.  To do this, walk outside, go across the street, turn around and just stare.  Give your home a good "once over".  Are there tools or toys strewn about the place?  Is the paint peeling?  Are there stains on your driveway?  Does the lawn need to be mowed or the shrubs trimmed?  Are the shutters coming off their hinges?  These are definite "no-no's" for a potential buyer.

Landscaping - Keep the lawn freshly watered and trimmed.  Do the same for the trees and shrubs.  Prune back any flower bushes, getting rid of all dead shrubbery in the process (including weeds).  If your lawn is in really bad shape, consider tearing it up and replacing it.  It may be necessary to hire a gardener, even temporarily, to make sure your lawn is kept in shape while you try to sell your home.

Front Porch - Things tend to accumulate on the front porch: shoes, toys, tools, etc.  Clear these items away.  Add a couple of potted or hanging plants for a pop of color.  Replace the old, worn welcome mat with a new one.  Update the exterior light fixtures.  Sweep any debris away.

Paint - A fresh coat of paint does wonders for the interior of your house.  The same is true for the exterior of your Anchorage home.  The cost of painting your house will come back to you in the sales price.

Driveways/Sidewalks - Stains and cracks can be unsightly for potential buyers.  Speak to the specialists at your local home and garden center.  They may be able to recommend a good stain cleaner.  If the driveway is really bad, you may want to resurface it.

Whatever you do, don't forget the curb appeal when you are trying to sell your Anchorage home.  Make sure to take photos of the exterior of your home as well as the interior and post them to the Anchorage MLS so buyers can have a more complete look at your home.  Contact me for all your Anchorage real estate needs.

Pauline Hofseth, your Anchorage real estate specialist