
Keep It Mowed
Having a lush and well-kept lawn is one of the simplest landscaping elements that can increase resale value to a property. Initial impressions are important in selling a home and one of the first things that potential buyers will notice is the front lawn. Make sure to mow your lawn the day before an open house in order to keep an overall fresh look. Allowing your lawn to grow too long may deter some buyers or even subconsciously cause them to discount their potential offer. If you can’t make time to mow the lawn before the open house consider hiring a lawn care service to do it for you in order to get top dollar for your home.
Clear It Away
Whether it is leaves, weeds, or trash that blew into your yard, make sure that your lawn is in top condition at the start of an open house. Rake leaves and clear away debris that has gone unnoticed for far too long. Pick up sticks that may have fallen from a recent storm and make sure to kill and remove all weeds in the lawn and garden beds in order to leave a good impression. Do a thorough overview of your lawn before an open house to make sure that things have been picked up and put away.
Add Some Color
Invite potential buyers into your home by adding pops of color near the front door. A simple pot with bright flowers will leave a positive impression on those entering your home. You may also consider adding a few planters near walkways to subtly welcome potential buyers.
Light It Up
Most open houses are planned in the afternoon where lighting most likely won’t be needed, but that doesn’t mean that you should ignore your outdoor lighting. Update your outdoor patio lights that will look sharp even without the lights on. Or consider adding walkway lighting that adds a safety feature to the home. Solar pathway lights are easy to install and are also energy efficient.
Fix the Small Things
Could your mailbox use a coat of paint? Is there a ripped window screen that needs to be replaced? Be sure to do these things prior to an open house. Other areas that are easily overlooked include a rust spot on the front door or a lightbulb that is burnt out on the patio lighting. These small projects are easy to forget when trying to sell a home but may become detractors for potential buyers. Make sure that everything is in tip top condition so that potential buyers will see only the good parts of your home.
Please consider The Myers Team your resource for all things real estate. We have over 30 years of real estate experience, specializing in the Montgomery County area. If you are refinancing, want a recommendation, need a service provider or just have a home related question, please give me a call at 301-910-9910 or email me at bobmyersteam@gmail.com.