Curb appeal

Believe it or not but the exterior of your home is just as important as the interior for making a sale. If you make positive changes outside and improve your curb appeal, you will impress buyers the moment they step foot on the property and leave a lasting impression when they are leaving. 

Here are some of the most positive changes you can make to give you the best return:

1. Lawn and Garden Upkeep - A long, snowy winter can leave your lawn and garden beds looking drab and unkept. Take some time to remove dead flowers and shrubs, rake leaves, and pick up any garbage that might have accumulated. Stay consistent with raking, mowing, watering and weeding to make the outside look neat, cheerful and inviting. This will show the buyers that the home is well-maintained. 

2. Landscaping - This may seem daunting but it doesn't mean you spend a great deal of time and money. Stick to low-maintenance perennial plants wherever possible and consider placing seasonal planters around the porch and walkway. Using planters is a great option to add a pop of colour and foliage to your landscape when on a budget. 

3. Driveways, Walkways, Front Porch and Garage Door -  Fix any cracks, fill holes and make any needed repairs. Consider redoing your driveway with newly poured concrete or paved with asphalt or if that is out of your budget, a fresh coat of sealer will make a difference. If your garage door is looking weathered and dated, a fresh coat of paint can liven things up.

4. Front Door - A fresh coat of paint in the right colour will attract attention as soon as people pull up the driveway. Updating an old doorknob with new hardware is another easy way to make it look new. You can also consider adding a seasonal decoration to make the home more welcoming.

5. Deep Clean of Exterior - Spring cleaning isn’t just for indoors. If you want your house looking sharp from the moment people set eyes on it, it's a good idea to give your home’s exterior a thorough cleaning. You should look into renting a pressure washer, which can be incredibly useful for cleaning windows, siding, bricks, walkways and decks. Use a broom to brush away cobwebs and other hanging objects from ceilings, canopies and light fixtures. Lastly, don't forget to give your clean your outdoor lights with some soap and water. 

Improving your home’s curb appeal can be time consuming but it is definitely worth the effort as it will make your home stand out right away and leave a lasting impression for prospective buyers.

Sourced from REALTOR.ca - articles by Kristine Squire and Brittany Stager.

Kim Purcell

I have been working as a Realtor in Kingston for over 6 years now and work under the Sutton Group Masters Realty Inc., Brokerage. I especially like working with first-time buyers, first-time sellers and clients interested in buying or selling condominiums in the area. I was born and raised in Kingston and know the city and local real estate market very well. If you are considering a move , please reach out to me by phone or email and I will answer any real estate questions you may have. I look forward to hearing from you!

Kim Purcell - Kingston Real Estate Agent

1650 Bath Road
Kingston, ON K7M 4X6
613-985-9371
kpurcell@sutton.com