Selling a home in winter is easy when everything is blanketed in fluffy white snow and the flowering plants and trees are out of season. But guess what – Spring has sprung, the gardening season is upon us, and buyers WILL notice if you are not on top of your landscaping game! Time to pull on the gardening gloves and get to work on your curb appeal.

The National Association of REALTORS® 2023 Remodeling Impact Report: Outdoor Features states that 97% of NAR members believe that curb appeal is important to attract buyers and a recent RE/MAX Twitter Poll revealed that 46.2% of responders agree that a shabby exterior is THE biggest turn-off when touring homes. Most homebuyers already have a pretty good idea about how interested they are in your home long before they step inside. We have previously discussed the importance of a stellar online first impression, where the majority of homebuyers begin their search.  These online photo tours usually begin with exterior shots and if yours doesn’t, buyers will quickly become suspicious. Make sure your home is photo ready in time for the photographer’s visit to include some great exterior pics. Once you have clinched the coveted in person home tour, reel the buyers in with a picture-perfect exterior. 

The grass is always greener – at your home! 

Lawn care and maintenance offers one of the biggest returns on investment in the home selling world. The previously mentioned NAR report estimates the cost recovery on standard lawn care service at an astounding 217% and landscape maintenance at 104%. Lawns should be cut, fertilized and weeded regularly while your home is on the market. Add in a new layer of mulch, trim those shrubs and plant a few annuals. Your neighbors will be green with envy, and you will end up with more green in your pocket. 

Walk this way… 

Keep all paths and walkways well swept and clear of any debris or trip hazards. Loose pavers and cracks should be repaired and make sure that all porch floorboards and railings are secure, painted and sealed. 

I see a red door… 

If it has been a few years since your siding was painted, this is a good time to look at it with a critical eye. Paint is a relatively inexpensive investment that will pay off big at selling time. Include your trim, shutters and window boxes, and remember to give special attention to the front door. According to a 2022 Zillow survey, a BLACK front door can add over $2K to the selling price of your home. It looks like the Rolling Stones were on to something! 

Jewelry for your home

Add a bit of bling to your home with accessories such as updated lighting fixtures, new address numbers, door knocker and mailbox. A new fresh doormat, and potted plants with annuals help complete the “money shot” of the front of your home.

Time to come clean

Before hitting the market, every home needs a thorough scrub. Time to power wash the walk, clean all of the windows and, yes, definitely clear out those gutters and downspouts. No one wants to live in a dirty house. 

Put away your toys

Homebuyers need to be able to picture themselves living happily in your home. Clean up all of the sports equipment, toys and collectibles. Store bicycles in the garage and take down badminton nets, slip and slides and trampolines, along with any other outdoor toys. This also refers to adult collections and décor – yard signs, sports team banners and I’m looking at you, garden gnome collection! 

Enough with the stuff

Any collectibles and objects that add to a cluttered appearance or detract from the house itself should be removed and saved for your new home. This includes flowerpots, garbage and recycling receptacles, hoses and gardening tools and even extra lawn furniture. These items can be stored neatly away and out of sight in the garage or shed. 

Remember, you only get one chance to make a first impression. Make it a good one that will have homebuyers falling in love with your home.