1. First Impressions

Your property’s curb appeal is the first impression buyers have of their prospective new home. The initial reaction to the exterior and grounds is very powerful. It instantly sets the tone of their walk through and will have an effect on how they perceive the rest of the property. If their first impression is a negative one, then they may not see this as their prospective home.

2. Reflections on the maintenance of the home

If a property’s exterior shows maintenance issues, buyers may be wary of what might be awaiting them inside and in places that they can’t see. These issues instantly translate to possible costly repairs and stress for home buyers, so it’s likely they will move on to other properties to avoid them both.

3. Could be a deal breaker for some buyers

Many buyers who won’t even bother going inside to see the rest of the home if they aren’t impressed with the curb appeal. If the exterior is unimpressive, buyers won’t be interested to see what gems may be inside it.

4. Stand out from the competition

Bland or uninviting curb appeal makes a property forgettable. If yours has a beautiful green lawn, colorful landscaping, and a freshly painted exterior, it’s going to stand out and present itself as a potential new home for the buyers.

5. Increase the perceived value of the property

Small details, like overgrown shrubbery or peeling paint, reduce the perceived value of a property just as much as larger details. Buyers look at everything as they are walking up to the front door, so if the curb appeal has any issues, they are going to notice them. Any problems will be noted in a buyer’s mind as reducing the value of the home.

What seems more valuable to a buyer: a property that has clearly been well taken care of over the years or one that is littered with maintenance issues and possible extra costs?