Simple Steps to Increase the Value of Your Property

They say a first impression is a lasting one, and this wisdom holds true when buying or selling a home. The first thing any potential buyer or renter will see when they come to view your house is the outside. A common term for how attractive a picture this paints of your house is ‘curb appeal’. There are many ways to increase the curb appeal of your house, increasing the value of your property.

The first step - clean up! Make sure your lawn is mowed and edged, and any hedges, trees and bushes have been trimmed. Rake up and dispose of all yard waste. Check any paths, stairs or stepping stones, and make sure they are stable and free of moss and weeds. If you have bare spots on your lawn, re-seed them, and pull any prominent weeds from the grass. Remove dead or dying plants. A few bright flowers, potted or planted in the ground, look inviting. Don’t try to overwhelm the area with plants and flowers, though - a clean, clear space allows someone viewing the home to see more options for how they might use it. A neat, trim lawn and garden is both more visually appealing and looks easier to maintain to any buyers or renters.

If you are not going to paint, pressure washing the exterior of your home can make it look fresh again. If your paint trim is faded or peeling, touch up or re-paint it. Look at your front door as well – it may be in need of re-painting or even replacing. Polishing the door handles can take of years of wear. Make the front door area uncluttered yet inviting. What you should add or take away depends on the space you have - ask your real estate agent for tips on how to make the most of your entry area.

If yours is a rental property, curb appeal is still quite important, but you must consider an additional factor - who do you expect to maintain the trees and hedges? Some tenants will enjoy working in the yard, while others will be turned off by it.

Make sure you specify in the lease whose responsibility it is to care for the large plants on your property.