Curb Appeal is the Cover to the Book

                                                                                             Author: Carol Bass

                                                                                        One Day Decorating 2

That old adage, you can’t judge a book by its cover, isn’t true when it comes to staging.  The “cover” or curb appeal is the first thing that 74% of all potential buyers check out, virtually or in a drive by, before they schedule that all important appointment to see a house. Selling a house needs to focus on the message a property is sending. That critical first impression sets the stage for what the potential buyer perceives is behind the door.  If the house appears neglected from the outside, the assumption is that the interior is more of the same. The reality is that the house may be completed remodeled and updated inside, but if the outside and curb appeal doesn’t reflect that, the house will linger on the market.

People judge, almost everything we desire to purchase or make a part of our lives…at first, by appearance.  Cars, spouses, clothing, food, and of course, houses, attract us initially because of their visual appeal.  The book, “Blink” by author, Malcolm Gladwell, showcases how most of the world makes a decision in the blink of an eye based on our gut reaction to the visuals. 

Are you contemplating placing your house on the market?  Or perhaps it has been on the market with no luck. Then it is time to walk to the street, swallow hard, and take good look. Take off the rose colored glasses and see the property the way a potential buyer would, and remember, they have on magnifying glasses.  Now blink, what do you see? Is your house sporting any of these top ten curb appeal faux pas? 

1. Dated exterior color scheme or peeling paint
2. Driveway or sidewalk cracks
3. Weathered, neglected mailbox
4. Overabundance of lawn art (no ladies bending over flower beds)
5. Neglected landscaping and window boxes
6. Dated or neglected front door
7. Excess clutter and/or trash to be removed
8. Too many vehicles in drivewaay
9. Lack of cohesivenss in exterior of window treatments
10. Not focusing in selling features

How did your property do?  Is it show and sale ready?  If your house was being graded, what kind of a grade would it receive?  In today’s tough economic client, your house better be an A because a C will not sell, unless the price is way under market value.  For most of us, the equity sitting in our home is our most significant income opportunity.   Increase your chances of selling your house for maximum dollars in the shortest time frame, by applying the principles of staging.  Start with Curb Appeal!