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Posts tagged first impressions

All Around Curb Appeal!

Apr22
2011
Leave a Comment Written by mary.w

/Some homeowners exert tremendous time, effort and money creating a wonderful first impression for buyers to view as they pull up to their home. That is a good thing. What is not so good, is using your entire budget and effort in the front while ignoring the side and back portions of your home. You may draw them in with your beautiful front yard, flowers and swing under your covered front porch BUT if they walk out your back door to a moldy deck, trash cans, overgrown weeds and a yard that looks like the NFL just practiced there; well, the front yard is no longer at the forefront of their minds.

It is important to create all around curb appeal so that no matter where they are looking, they are excited about what they see. You wouldn’t think of just painting the front of your home and leaving the sides and back chipped and revealing rotting wood, would you? (Ok, now I know some of you said yes to this, but that would be the wrong answer so please continue on).

Before you head to the garden center or big box store, develop a plan on paper that includes cleaning, painting and planting needs for all exterior portions of your home. If you are not an avid gardener (as many of us are not) ask questions and learn which plants will offer the longest blooming life, most vibrant colors and require the least maintenance (this is at the top of my list!). If you don’t have a lot of yard, create potted plantings. You often see beautifully detailed flower pots on either side of a home’s front entry. Do the same at your side and back entry doors, too.  A simple thing that will yield great rewards!  See your home as a total exterior package and use your budget to maximize the entire picture.
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Posted in Home Improvement, Selling Tips - Tagged appeal, back yard, creating curb appeal, curb, curb appeal, deckn, exterior appeal, front yard, getting your home ready to sell, landscaping, painting, planting, side yard
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A simple change for a big difference

Jun08
2008
Leave a Comment Written by Kim

Front DoorThe front entry door of your home is very important.  It is the first part of your home to greet your guests and gives them something to study as you amble up to open it, so you don’t want a door that is flawed in any way.

Entry doors are very important features in any home because they create first impressions.  However, front doors can’t just be beautiful; they have to be strong and durable since they battle the elements every day of the year.

Today there are literally hundreds of different styles of doors to choose from.  There are wood, steel, fiberglass-composite and also aluminum doors, and each can be designed with decorative glass windows, safety windows, a glass side panel on one side or panels on both sides.  Additional styles are double doors and decorative arched doorways.

TYPES OF DOORS

WOOD

The most popular front door is created from wood, and solid-wood doors are also the most expensive variety.  Although it is the most popular, it also is one of the weakest since it can warp, crack and even break over time.  

FIBERGLASS

Fiberglass doors can resemble real wooden doors, because they can be stained to match other woods, but are much more durable.  They also are virtually maintenance-free and because they won’t warp, crack, rot or split are ideal for any climate, including those with extremely hot or cold temperatures.

STEEL

If security, not beauty, is your main concern, then you might be interested in a steel entry door. These doors are stronger than the other varieties because they won’t warp or crack and also require very little maintenance.  Although they may not be beautiful, steel doors do come in a variety of styles and are also the least expensive entry doors on the market.

ALUMINUM

Aluminum doors are easy to maintain because they won’t rust and never need painting; however aluminum doors are only available through dealers and not through large hardware stores.  Because they are easy to care for and are often backed by lengthy warranties, the aluminum entry door is the second most expensive type of doorway.

HOW TO REPLACE THEM

The first step in replacing your front door is to measure your current opening.  Then you need to determine what style of doorway you would like to greet your guests at the front of your home-is it one with a decorative window, a safety sidelight or perhaps double doors?  Next figure out which material you would like your door to be constructed out of-do you prefer wood, aluminum, fiberglass or steel?  Then do a little homework and hit some of the do-it-yourself hardware stores and check out all the different styles available to you.

Before you know it, your home can be even more appealing, simply by changing the front door.

Posted in Home Improvement, Selling Tips, Tips and Ideas - Tagged doors, entry, Home Improvement, making a strong first impression, selling a home, selling by owner, selling for sale by owner
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Rethinking Curb Appeal

Dec08
2007
2 Comments Written by Shanna

houseLet’s be honest: when you’ve been driving up to your home for months, years or even decades, it can be hard to imagine the exterior looking any other way. You’re used to its appearance, even with the imperfections and the unusual touches. That’s just the way it is, and you’ve been happy with it, so someone else will be, too. Right?

Well, maybe. The fact is that your home’s outside appearance–the way it looks to those driving by or to potential buyers arriving for a showing–is too important to take a chance with. It carries the power to excite or turn away, to invite inside or discourage interest. It is all-important and worth investigating.

So what do you do?

THINK BUSINESS

First of all, you need a fresh perspective. Consider this: your home is no longer your home but an item to sell. It’s part of a business transaction. Do all you can to sever emotional ties and look at your home objectively.

GET A FRESH PERSPECTIVE

Try backing away from your home, either from across the street or by stopping farther away when you come home, and put yourself in the buyer’s shoes. Bring a camera and simulate the buyer’s visit by walking to your home with new eyes. Get into critical thinking mode and ask yourself:

  1. What is my overall first impression?
  2. What stands out about the exterior?
  3. Does the yard complement the home or distract from it?
  4. Is the landscaping well-maintained?
  5. Do I notice any maintenance issues immediately?
  6. How could I draw more attention to the positive features?
  7. How could I downplay or correct the drawbacks?

After you’ve done this, you’ll be armed with some key information that should help guide you to the next best steps.

ENLIST A FRIEND

You may also consider asking a friend to do the same exercise: their perspective will likely highlight even more aspects that you wouldn’t have noticed.

Posted in Selling Tips, Tips and Ideas - Tagged curb appeal, selling your home
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