I know that I've done several blogs on the importance of staging and curb appeal.  Why?  Because it could mean the difference between selling and not selling your home.  Plus, these articles are more meaningful when you are going through the process yourself.  Today, I'm cleaning my office, staining a deck and writing blogs.  We are getting ready to put our own home up for sale in the spring market but know we have a lot of "projects" to get done first.  The outside projects will be done before the end of this week!

As I'm reading all the information that I want to share with you, I'm making sure that I'm doing these things as well.  Here are some great points from an article I was reading.

Before / No Curb Appeal           After/Beautiful Curb Appeal

Comments for Selling a Home 

"People who prepare their homes-inside and out-before they put them on the market are the ones who have quicker sales and who receive top dollar." (Realtor magazine, August 2005).

"If the house shines like a pretty penny, it'll sell quicker." (Realtor magazine, August 2005.)

Minimum... and let me STRESS MINIMUM

• Anything a potential buyer may notice needs to be fixed or replaced: burned-out lightbulbs, broken doorbells, cracked glass, damaged trim.

• Sidewalks and driveways need to be clean.
• Lawns need to not only be cut and lush, but don't forget the edging for those crisp clean lines.
• Bushes and trees trimmed.
• Gardens with fresh mulch and no weeds.

High on the List

• Painting the exterior
• Replace damaged gutters
• Replace/repair concrete in driveways/walkways
• Outside lighting is a big deal on the outside as well as the inside of the house.
• Flowers definitely add a splash of color to the outside with yellow and red being high on the list.

Projects take time... so be sure to give yourself enough time to accomplish everything that needs to be done.  Everytime, my husband and I start a project I can always count on it taking longer than we expected.  Now, I try to leave more time for these projects and PLANNING is crucial.  Give yourself time and plan out the next project so that it doesn't get out of hand... especially when it comes to the pocketbook.

References: Paustian, Chuck. "Curb Appeal Best Face Forward."  Realtor magazine. August 2005.