Spring Forward
Boost Home Value with Curb Appeal Fixups
By Dianna Hosta-Stickney
If you’re thinking about selling your house, spring is prime season — especially in climates like ours in Northeast Ohio.
The good news is that it’s a seller’s market. Home prices throughout the region are holding steady or gaining ground. Plenty of financing options are getting more people into buying mode and providing a deep pool of potential buyers.
Winter can make even the best maintained house look a bit worn. Money and time spent on the outside can pay off big when you sell your house. A home only gets one chance to make the best first impression.
Look at the outside of your home the way a new home buyer would. Does the trim need repainted? Is the siding dirty? Power washing decks, siding, porches and the driveway can bring them back to life with a well-maintained, sparkling look.
Give the entryways an especially critical look. Fresh paint, shiny brass kick plates and exterior lights that match (and work) make a home look welcoming and cared for.
Other tips:
- Wash windows
- Make sure the garage door is clean and operates smoothly
- Sweep leaves and brush from entryways
- Spread fresh mulch in flower beds
- Double check that address numbers are visible and easy to read
- Trim overgrown shrubs
- Tack up drooping gutters that may have ice damage
- Reseal the driveway
If you’re working with a budget (and who isn’t?), talk to a Realtor before spending money on expensive exterior fix-ups this spring. Maybe your money would be better spent on window repairs than power washing or landscaping. A Realtor can tell you what exterior features are a selling point in your neighborhood and can guide you on the best use of your pre-sale dollars.
Dianna Hosta-Stickney works in Middleburg Heights and Strongsville, where she is a real estate consultant with Cutler Real Estate. Contact her at 440-785-6800 or DiannaSellsHomes.com
