One of the biggest tips, and often overlooked tasks, to netting top dollar for your San Diego investment is to have inviting curb appeal. People judge on what they see first- your home’s outer attributes, or curb appeal. So, what can you do to improve your homes first impression? The following tips will help get you started.
First begin by tidying and cleaning up the exterior of your home. Pick up any newspapers trash, leaves and overgrown foliage. Move recycle and trash bins to the rear of the yard, if possible.
Secondly, make any necessary repairs before putting your home on the market. For example, gutters that terminate improperly- too close to the house or not at all. Take down antennas, satellite dishes, etc. that no longer are in use. Touch up faded paint and if necessary repaint the exterior. It will give the home a fresh, ready to move into look. In San Diego’s real estate market this is super important as more than likely you will be competing with “flip” properties where the investor has typically made every inch of the home shine so he or she will be able to net top market dollar for their investment.
Thirdly, power-wash siding, walls and roof tiles. However, don’t become over zealous so you chip paint off. Clean all windows inside and outside. Keep walk-ways swept, tidy and clear. A clean home is a welcoming site to everyone!
Fourth, trim any trees or overgrown bushes that hide or darken your home. I have never met one buyer in all my years in real estate who said, that house is just too bright! Buyer’s don’t say that- they want bright, warmth and abundant light in their new home! A dark home is a sure deal killer.
Lastly, improve your landscaping, if needed. This can be as simple as picking up bright blooming outdoor plants and placing them by the entry door, or as complex as adding landscaping to the front. In fact, desirable landscaping has been shown to shorten market times by as much as six weeks!
When readying the exterior of your home for the market, keep an eye on your neighbors and be sure you do not over improve the value of your home. You want you home to stand out slightly above the rest, while keeping as much profit in your pocket. There is a fine line between doing too much and not doing enough.
If you have questions about what projects will help you return the most profit for the sale of your San Diego home, call me, I can help. I am happy to schedule a free in home staging and walk-thru with you to help get ready to sell and to decide exactly where to put your hard earned money.
Hurry up San Diego home seller’s, we have a shortage of good homes on the market and a tremendous pool of well qualified, ready to go buyers. So what are you waiting for?
Tami McCraw
