How Important is Curb Appeal?
Curb appeal can go a long way in helping you sell!
Selling your home can be daunting, but with a clear plan in place, the process feels easier. Since we live on the inside of our home, the outside can largely get ignored- and there is money there!
When selling, adding curb appeal can get you up to 7% more in a transaction, which can add up!
Simple strategies for adding curb appeal:
- Chipping paint? Paint your house. If you are selling, consider neutral colors. The lighter the shade the better if you are wanting to sell as a green home if there is no shade. Light colors reflect the sun and will keep the home cooler in the summer. Painting cannot be done in the winter, so plan accordingly! The painters will also fix anything that has rotted, which will be a relief to the buyer.
- Dead landscape? We need to fix that prior. Dead landscape equals time and money in a buyer's mind. Install regional, non-invasive plants that aren't fussy. Hydrangeas are a good option for both sun and shade, and are low maintenance here in NY and CT. Boxwoods are also a great choice as they don't require a ton of water. Native plants that require less water to survive is a great option for a green home.
- Add structure and easier maintenance by adding compost and mulch or wood chips along your landscaped areas. It gives it a finished and more structured look. Especially if it is along the front of the house. This will also reduce the amount of water needed.
- Add potted plants near the front door. I have boxwoods near my door, because they stay green all year. This is an important note if you are selling in the fall/winter.
- Outdoor lights are also recommended if selling in the winter. If you needed, just install inexpensive solar lights to light the path to the house. It will make people feel safer upon entry in the winter when it gets dark at 4:30.
- Set-up an inexpensive bistro table either under trees, on the porch, and/or the back deck. People want to see that outdoor space is also additional square footage.
- Also, make sure garbage is cleaned up as well as stuff that may be rusted and not used. A clean space helps people see what the space can be.
Work with Jess
With a background as a former LEED AP (green commercial construction) and now a designated NAR'S Green Realtor, I love integrating cost effective, creative solutions to help clients save money and energy and/or expand their buying pool. I am head over heels for my home of Pound Ridge, but love all of Northern Westchester and Fairfield County for their community focus. I am a working toddler and dog Mom, so I know that finding or starting a new dream can be daunting. Let me help you do the work, so you can breathe.
If you've been dreaming of homeownership but think it's out of reach, I have good news: affordable starter homes less than an hour from New York City are not only real—they're incredible opportunities waiting for you.
This time of year, my favorite places to visit are Harvest Moon and Outhouse Orchards . Have the donuts, find the pumpkins… have the cider for sure at Harvest Moon, and don’t skip the pumpkin cheesecake to go. It is delightful. As the leaves fall- enjoy the crunch, cover your garden beds, and let nature take it’s course. It is good for the environment, and will yield incredible garden results. This is also the time to start taking your plants inside or covering them if you are trying to help them survive the winter. See tips HERE. As for Real Estate… the market is shifting. We are entering a more neutral market. This means we are starting to see inventory stick around. Homes aren’t flying in a weekend- unless they are underpriced or an incredible deal. The important thing- you need a good agent regardless of wether you are buying or selling. Sellers can still clean up if things are done well, and buyers can find a deal if working with the right person. It is anyone’s market for the taking! If you have read all the way through… you get inside info. I am planning an event- so save the date- December 4. Serving: Pound Ridge | Bedford | Katonah-Lewisboro | North Salem | Ridgefield (CT) | and surrounding areas Your Trusted Westchester Real Estate Expert
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