Home Selling Mistakes to Avoid:
OUTDOOR EDITION
One of our most popular blog posts was about home selling mistakes to avoid. Since this post was so popular, we thought it was a good idea to make a similar post, this one dedicated to the home selling mistakes that happen outdoors. You know, the cluttered lawns, unkempt gardens, and peeling paint-type of outdoor problems. Read on to make sure you don't make these common mistakes when selling your home!
Leaving Out The Trash
One common thing that sellers often overlook is keeping their outdoor garbage areas in good shape. If your garbage bins are overflowing with trash and your recycling bins are scattered with empty soda cans, it might make people think you've neglected the rest of your home too. Tidying your garbage area shows potential buyers that you've kept your entire home clean.
Tidy The Clutter
As you know, it's best to keep the clutter inside your home to a minimum but this applies to your outdoor space as well. Broken patio chairs, wayward toys, and gardening tools that didn't quite make it all the way to the shed also count. By keeping your yard clear of clutter, it allows the potential home buyer to picture themselves living in the home.
Keep Garden Décor As Neutral As Possible
Just because you love your collection of garden gnomes, it doesn't mean the next homeowner will feel the same way about them. Tying in with the above point of tidying your clutter, this applies to your garden décor too. Your best bet is to stick with a few tasteful and neutral pieces that will enhance the look of your yard – not distract from it.
Avoid Unusual Landscaping
Although things like vegetable gardens in the front yard can be trendy in some neighbourhoods, it doesn't work for every neighbourhood. Leave the front yard for gardens with flowers and consider removing that squirrel feeder from your backyard.
Keep Your Home Well Lit
Any potential buyer who is seriously interested in your home will likely drive past it at night which makes it important to keep your home well-lit, with lights all in working order. This also applies if you're selling your home in the winter; shorter days may also cause buyers to attend a showing after dark. A well-lit property gives buyers the impression that the home has been well-maintained and cared for.
Boost Your Curb Appeal
I've mentioned how important curb appeal can be when selling your home and it's not something you can ignore! This means keeping your grass cut and watered, your gardens tidy, weeds cleared and bushes and shrubs well-pruned.
Fix Peeling Paint
While the benefit of doing certain home improvements before listing your home can be debated, fixing peeling paint and touching it up on the front of your house actually does make a difference. If you don't have the time or budget to paint the entire outside of the house, consider focusing on the trim or putting a fresh coat on all the doors, especially the front door.
Update Old Fixtures
You don't have to spend a lot of money to really improve the look of old fixtures. By replacing old light fixtures with new ones, you'll give prospective buyers the impression that your home has been updated recently and it will help with point number five, keeping your home well lit! but keep in mind that updating old fixtures also goes for doorknobs, door knockers and doorbells.
Get A Fresh Perspective
The easiest way to see what improvements the outside of your home needs is to approach it with a fresh perspective. Your realtor will also be able to give you honest, unbiased advice on what the outside of your home needs - and for a good second opinion, you can always ask your neighbour what they think.
Ready to learn more about the dos and don'ts of selling your home? Contact me today!
Posted by Greg Dewar on
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