TIME TO BOOST YOUR CURB APPEAL

Summer is almost here

and that means the buyers are out and looking....

is your house ready? 

Have you paid any attention to your Curb Appeal? 

 The first impression of a potential buyer is crucial...

so here are some easy things you can do to boost your Curb Appeal...

1.  Routine Maintenance - mowing the lawn, weeding, trimming shrubs and making sure driveways and walkways are clear and clean seems like common sense, but you would be surprised how often I see houses listed for sale where the yard looks like a jungle.  If you let your yard go, it may give potential buyers the impression that other things have also been neglected. 

2.  Clean it Up - Put away the hose and toys and make sure the entry is free from spider webs and debris.  Tripping over toys or having a spider drop on your shoulder are sure turn offs for potential buyers.

3. Front Door - Painting your exterior doors is a pretty easy project that can make the front of your home pop - just don't go too crazy with the color! While you are at it...adding easily readable house numbers makes your home easy for potential buyers to find.

4. Lighten Up - Make sure your exterior lights look nice and are in working order.  Replace broken fixtures or burnt out bulbs.  Some buyers drive around to scope out potential homes in the evening...a well lit home will attract attention and a dark home will fade into the night.

5.  Pretty Plants - Add some life to your yard easily by adding a few pots of flowers to the front porch or freshening up your planting beds.  Fresh mulch can also make a huge difference.  

6.  Window Work - Wash your windows.   Chances are you don't realize how dirty they are, but a buyer will be looking closely.  Once your windows are clean, adding shutters and window boxes of flowers can add a lot of character without a huge expense.

7.  Mailbox Makeover -  Is your mailbox held onto the post with duct tape after a run-in with the plow this winter?  Now is the time to repair the post, make sure the mailbox is not rusted or covered with peeling paint. 

Homes with great curb appeal often sell quicker and for more money! 

 Boost your Curb Appeal and then get ready for the offers to roll in! 

Check out my Curb Appeal Pins on my Pinterest by clicking on the logo below...

 If you would like more information on how to sell your home faster and for more money, please call Fontaine Family - The Real Estate Leader on click the button below to send us an e-mail!

EASY WAYS TO READY YOUR KITCHEN FOR SALE

If you are trying to sell your house,

 having it "showing ready" is very important. 

It is a fact that uncluttered, staged house sell for more money...

especially today when a large part of the housing inventory is distressed properties. 

One of the most important rooms to spruce up when selling is your kitchen. 

Buyers are afraid of updating a kitchen because, let's fact it, it can be expensive. 

There are some low-cost upgrades you can make to wow buyers viewing your home

and increase your chances of selling your home for more money! 

Source: southernliving.com via Talley on Pinterest

Here's our top suggestions:

1.  Declutter - Taking everything off of the counter tops that is not necessary.  You may think it is necessary to have the toaster oven, coffee maker, microwave, canisters, etc...all sitting on the counter...but a buyer will only see the clutter, not the amount of counter space you have.  Start packing up some of those things to get a jump start for when your house does sell.  And don't forget to clean off the top of the refrigerator and remove all the drawings and take-out menus from the front of the refrigerator. 

2. Organize - Everything looks better when it is clean and organized.  Open your cabinets and look at them like you are snooping in someone else's home.  Would your first reaction be "How do they find anything"?  Are things falling out?  Cabinets and drawers that are organized give the impression that there is plenty of storage space.  Messy, overstuffed cabinets and drawers make the buyer think there is not enough storage. 

3.  Clean - A little elbow grease goes a long way.  Wipe the crumbs out of drawers...clean the windows,  clean the oven, refrigerator and microwave...make sure the sink is free of dishes...wipe the now clutter-free counter tops...scrub the floors.  Clean sells!

So far we haven't spent any money, just a little time.  The next few suggestions can be done with a little money and savvy shopping.

4.  Fresh paint - Check out the walls, cabinets & trim.  Are they chipped, scratched or peeling?  Paint is not expensive and can completely change the look of a room.  Old cabinets can look new with a fresh coat of paint.  Changing the color of the walls can update a room very quickly.  Repainting dinged up trim can make the room look fresh. 

Source: timmonsfamilylemonade.blogspot.com
via Kaylinn on Pinterest

5.  Hardware - Check out your cabinet hardware.  Changing it out for something updated can change the feel of the kitchen.  Yes, hardware can be expensive, but if you shop around you can find low-cost options in fresh finishes to modernize your cabinets.  Pay attention to the knobs, pulls and hinges to make sure they match.  Metal paint can freshen old hinges for very little money. 

6.  Faucet - There are so many faucet options it can be overwhelming, but changing out the faucet and scrubbing the sink can be an impressive upgrade to potential buyers.  If you are handy, you may even be able to install it yourself, saving even more money. 

Sometimes there is just no way to get around the kitchen needing a little more help.  Keep in mind, buyers are going to try to discount your price for whatever they feel needs to be done.  If you know something will be a stumbling block for the buyer, why not take care of it in advance.  A little money up front could bring more cash when your home sells.

7.  Counter tops - If your counter tops are cracked or the finish peeling off, it is time for a change.  There are some nice laminates for little money.  Also check for stone and solid surface options - you may be able to find some deals if you don't have a lot of counter top area.

8.  Backsplash - There are unlimited options to dress up your kitchen.  Tile, metal or new plastic products that look like tin tiles can be purchased at great prices.  Doing the work yourself make upgrading the backsplash much more affordable.

9.  Flooring -  The thought of replacing a floor in the midst of moving will sent a buyer jogging right out the door.  If your kitchen floor is in bad shape, addressing it before selling will make your home more saleable.  New linoleum and laminates have some great patterns to spruce up your kitchen. 

Step into your kitchen and look at it like a buyer...

which of these options will help your kitchen show better

 and help you get more money from the sale of your home? 

Isn't that the goal?

For more information on how to get your home sold for top dollar faster,

call Fontaine Family - The Real Estate Leader at (207)784-3800 or e-mail us...

SELL YOUR PROPERTY FOR MORE WITH HOME STAGING

There has been a lot of talk about staging your home when you sell...

Do you wonder if staging can help you sell? 

Can staging help you get more money for the sale of your home? 

Check out this episode of YOUR REAL ESTATE SOLUTIONS with Brenda Fontaine

for some great information about staging...

Click here to view all episodes of YOUR REAL ESTATE SOLUTIONS with Brenda Fontaine

for more great information about today's real estate market!