If you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover... why are first impressions so important!

It is true what they say, you can not re-do a first impressions. Curb appeal - it's is the first thing your buyer will see when they arrive. It's important to to send the right message from the get go. If you don't impress them when they come to the door some might not even bother going inside. Being in the nursery, landscape and garden center business for many years has many benefits for being able to help my clients navigate to making their home look just as good outside as it does inside. Here is a few smaller less costly curb appeal projects that can make a big impact on how your home will look from the street.

Keep your lawn maintained. - If your grass hasn't been maintained, patches of dead grass, over run with weeds, buyers will assume that it will be a reflection of the rest of the home. It will also start the wheels going as they begin to calculate how much money it will cost to make it looking good - and they haven't even entered the door. A beautiful, well cared fron yard sends a clear message that the home is in good shape.

Overgrown landscaping - Just like the lawn, your shrubs, flowers and bushes need to be well maintained too. If they are overgrown, in need of trimming, dead branches and unkept looking it will be a huge turn off to buyers. It doesn't need to be over the top to make a great first impression. Make sure the yard is nicely kept, weeded, a new coating of fresh mulch or rocks will make your home outshine the competition.

Faded paint - Nothing makes a home look unloved and unkept than chipped and faded exterior paint. Make sure the front has a fresh coat of paint to make it look new and polished right before your home hits the market. If not it just runs up the total of things that will need to be done - and still they haven't entered the front door. Speaking of front door - double check your handle, is it in good working order? not tarnished or loose? Also make sure the paint on that door is fresh so it sparkles from the street.

Pressure washed - In the hot Florida sun the exterior of your home, driveway and side walks accumulate dirt and mold. It is very unappealing to buyers walking up your front walk to have it not looked like it has been cared for in ages. Spring & Fall is a great time to have it done to keep after it on a regular basis to make it shine.

Cleaned windows - If a potential buyer is put off by filthy windows, they may not want to see what sits inside them, even if the interior of your home is actually well taken care of. This project will cost you nothing but water, cleaning supplies and a little elbow grease.

Mailbox - Yes it's a small detail but the mailbox is one of the first things the buyer will see when they arrive at your home. Even small projects can have a big impact on the overall curb appeal. So replace or repaint.

Now put out that new welcome mat that tells your prospective buyer...

Welcome Home!