JR Higgins Realty Carlstadt NJ

Curb Appeal

Curb appeal refers to what someone sees when they look at your house and yard. In the case of a prospective buyer, curb appeal is of utmost importance. If a person likes what she/he sees at first glance, a sense of positive anticipation will be created. That positive anticipation will influence everything seen subsequently. If a person is turned off or disappointed at first glance, the probability that she/he will eventually make an offer on the house has decreased significantly - before she/he has even gotten out of the car!
Keep in mind that you don't have to spend a lot of money to have a nice looking yard. A yard that is neat, cheery and well-maintained is a pleasure to look at. The strategic use of color (small annual plantings, hanging baskets, etc.) and form (careful pruning, accent items like decorative borders, trellises and shutters, etc.) can transform even a modest yard into a substantial asset.

Keep in mind the following tips:

The area around your house should be neat and tidy. Pick up litter, toys, bicycles, etc. Rake fallen leaves. Roll up hoses and either put them out of site or hang them neatly on the hose rack or reel. Move garbage cans to the side or rear yard.

Keep the lawn mowed and the plating areas weeded and watered. If possible, mulch the plating areas with bark or some other attractive cover that will keep the weeds down and help retain soil moisture. Plant a few colorful, blooming flowers or shrubs to create a cheery, welcoming impression.

Keep your front entry and walkways clean and uncluttered.

If your paint is peeling or chipping such that it significantly detracts from the appearance of the house, repaint if you can afford to. Try to choose a neutral-colored paint you use goes well with your house color. Walk or drive around your neighborhood or other neighborhoods in your area for color ideas and combinations. If you're unsure, get a professional opinion. Painting can be costly and you want to get it right the first time.

Make sure your doorbell and porch light are in working order.

Prune overgrown trees and shrubs. Overgrown trees and shrubs can make a house appear dark and unappealing. You should try for a nice balance of well pruned, healthy trees and shrubs that compliment the appearance of your house and add to, but don't overwhelm, your house and yard. With the exception of a few rare cases, your front entry should be visible from the street or driveway.

If you have concerns about your roof, get a professional opinion. Roofs are easily damaged, dangerous to work on, and can be costly to repair or replace. while the roof is an important factor in curd appeal, roof cleaning and/or repairs are beyond the scope of this book.

Clutter

    Clutter distracts prospective purchasers. Clutter makes it difficult for them to see and appreciate your house. It makes it almost impossible for them to visualize their things in the house. When the husband looks in the hall closet and sees your accumulation of board games dating back to the 1950's and a jumble of shoes and boots sufficient to supply a small army, he misses the fact that there is a spot to one side that would be ideal for storing his golf clubs. When his wife looks at the dining room, she is so overwhelmed by your "Plates From Around The World" collection, she completely misses the fact that her hutch would fit perfectly against the far wall.
       Don't get us wrong - you love these things and they should be out enjoyed in your new place. Just store them away while you're trying to sell this house.
       The prospective purchaser need to be able to visualize his/her things in your house. Almost everyone's house is cluttered with personal pictures, collections, knickknacks, too much furnature, piles of magazines, books, newspapers, laundry, etc.
       Clutter is distracting and unproductive when you are trying to sell your house. Once your home sells, you will need to pack it all up and move it anyway. So why not do some of it right now? Not only will your house show better while you are trying to sell it, but moving will be easier when the time comes, as some of the work will already be done.
       When packing, keep in mine that you don't want to have to repack before moving. Also, you want your belongings to store and travel without damage, whether you are moving them yourself or using a professional moving service.

Some Tips:

Use sturdy boxes and containers that are in good condition. Boxes with lids are preferable.

Pack carefully, making sure fragile items are secure.

Label the boxes with a perminant marker. Write the room of the house where the box came from, then list the contents.
For example: DINING ROOM - China plates and serving dishes - FRAGILE!


Cleanliness Once you've removed the clutter, you need to thoroughly clean your house. Windows should be washed inside and out. Carpets should be cleaned. Vinyl, ceramic tile, hardwood, and other floor coverings should be cleaned and waxed or polished, if appropriate. In the kitchen, counter tops, the range top, and other surfaces should be free of debris and wiped clean. The oven should be clean. The refrigerator/freezer should not give off unpleasant odors when opened. Bathrooms should be kept clean smelling fresh. fixtures should be shiny. Wastebaskets in both the kitchen and bathroom should be emptied regulary. Odors (unpleasant smells) and aromas (pleasant smells have a tremendous impact on how prospective buyers feel about your house. When trying to sell your house, you want it to smell good. However, you don't want any smells, even the good ones, to be unpleasantly strong or overpowering.
Bad Smells:	pet odors, urine, dirty diapers, dirty socks, cigarettes and cigars, spoiled food, moldy or musty odors, etc.
Good Smells:	citrus scents, potpourri, baking aromas, scented soaps and candles, fresh air, fresh flowers and greenery, that "clean" smell.
When cleaning, don't forget some of the more obscure items. Examples: curtains, shades, and drapes (dust, wash or clean as appropriate), window sills, registers, and light fixtures. If it's within your budget, a professional houscleaning service can be of great help in getting the house into shape initially. You may then be able to keep the house clean yourself or may want to have someone come in periodically to help with cleaning while your home is on the market. Either way, while you are trying to sell your house, it is a great advantage to have it clean and smelling fresh.
Clean houses sell better for several reasons:

A clean house smells good. Never underestimate the sense of smell. It plays a powerful role in influencing people's impressions and enthusiasm.

A clean house helps put the prospective buyer at ease so that she/he can focus on the features of the house. Remember, it is human nature to feel a bit uneasy when "invading" another person's space, even if you are an invited guest. A clean house sends the message, "We were expecting you, we're glad you're here, we want you to like the house."

A clean house represents work that the prospective buyer doesn't have to worry about doing. When looking at your house, she/he isn't plagued by the thought, "There sure is a lot of cleaning to do before we can move in."

Lighting plays an important role in selling your house. The interior of the house should be bright and inviting. If your house is clean, the bright lighting won't be illuminating dust and grime. It will help the seller see that the house is, in fact, clean and appealing.
A note on lighting: warm white bulbs and tubes are much more flattering to skin tones and give a warmer, friendlier glow to the interior of a home.

Ready To Show

Children Can Help.
You've dealt with the Three C's and your house looks great. The only problem is that you still have to live in it! And living in it means that it isn't always going to be in one hundred percent ready-to-show condition.

Some Tips:

Have everyone in the house get into the habit of making their bed first thing in the morning.

Another good habit is to rinse dishes right after use and then place them in the dishwasher or stack them neatly in the sink.

Try to get the children to flush the toilet after every use, if they don't already.

Involve your kids in a discussion about your family's goals with regard to selling the house; then work together to make up a list of who will do what. Even preschoolers can do small chores like picking up toys or help folding laundry.

Give your children positive reinforcement or small rewards when they do things that help their contributions and let them know you appreciate their efforts.

Agents Enjoy Showing Your House!
A big advantage of your completed Three C's program is that you will have greatly enhanced how much agents enjoy showing your house. A clean, uncluttered house with good curb appeal is a pleasure to show, and that will work to your advantage in getting the house sold.

15 Minutes To Curtain!
Your agent calls to let you know she/he will arrive in fifteen minutes with a client who wnats to look at your house. What should you do?

Turn on all the lights and open the curtains. Make your house bright and inviting.

Pick up debris (shoes, newspapers, toys, etc.).

Check the kitchen - clean and wipe counter tops, load dishes in dishwasher or stack neatly in sink if there isn't time to wash them.

Check bathrooms - make sure toilets are flushed, quickly tidy up and wipe the vanity, hang towels neatly, empty the wastebasket.

Make sure all the beds are made.

Close the garage door and make sure the front walk is clear of debris.

If there's time, quickly vacuum/sweep/damp mop any areas that need it.

turn on pleasant background music - keep the volume VERY low.

Make sure children and pets are not creating a distraction. Take them for a walk or drive, read a story, or play a quiet game in one room while your agent is showing the house.

A Tip
A totable basket stocked with appropriate cleaning supplies is a big help when you're hurrying. Put one together. It might contain: clean rags, a roll of paper towels, furniture polish, window cleaner (which can be used to shine mirrors, fixtures and counter tops), air freshener, whisk broom and dustpan.

Drop-In Visits
Your real estate agent may not always be able to give you advance notice. She/he may be driving a client through various neighborhoods. While driving through your neighborhood the client says (because your house has such great curb appeal!), "Let's stop and take a look at that one!"

Don't panic. Your house already looks quite good because you have completed your Three C's program. Don't run around nervously trying to pick things up and making apologies about how the place looks. Welcome the agent and the prospective buyer enthusiastically. Gather up the children and pets and take a walk, a drive, or engage them in a quiet activity while your agent shows the house. The agent shown up unexpectedly and will be understanding if the house is a little disorderly.