Outdoor staging entices buyers into the home

Even though more and more buyers are using the Internet as their first source to view a home, curb appeal is still the ultimate factor in whether or not they will even set foot in the front door. If the exterior of the home is tidy and well maintained, buyers assume the interior must also be well kept. If the outside is dated and worn, they judge that the inside is likely shabby and tired as well.  To make sure your listings make the best possible first impression, consider these easy and affordable tips to get buyers in the front door:

• Invigorate the entrance. To make buyers eager to enter, make sure this space is pristine. Touch up any peeling paint, brush away cobwebs and debris and add new door hardware if needed. Spruce up the entrance with a new natural fiber door mat, some colorful annuals in urns and a seating area if space permits.
• Give your exterior a mini makeover. Your kitchen and baths may need a remodel but the exterior of your home can look years younger with a few simple changes.  Add new exterior lighting, shampoo your roof to remove stains and replace worn or faded shutters for a clean, crisp look. Consider adding a new carriage style garage door. This enhancement will not only make your home look like newer construction, it can also make your home more energy efficient depending on the model you select.
• Show them what you’ve got. Make sure all walkways, paths and roofs are clear of debris and overgrown landscaping. Trim back any hedges and shrubs that block windows to add more natural light inside the home and to make the outside of the home look well maintained. Consider removing large trees that block the view of the home or raise the bottom limbs of the trees by at least six to eight feet so buyers can see the property if they are standing in front of the home.
• Clear away the yard candy. You may love multi-colored landscaping and yard ornaments galore but buyers do not want to be overwhelmed with your decorating preferences the moment they drive up. Limit your landscaping color palate to no more than three colors. This will make your yard look more streamlined. Limit patios and decks to one to two seating areas to make them appear larger and to show how buyers can use your outdoor living spaces. Clear away any excess toys, old cars, trailers, pet items, statues, etc to make your yard as large as possible.