Real Estate corner

By Lana O’Hollaren
Special to the Coastal Point

How many times have you based a decision on your first impression? If you’re like most people the answer is “many times.” That old cliché, “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” may be sage advice, but there’s no denying that first impressions matter.

First impressions are undeniably important when selling a house. Although there are no exact statistics, chances are that you are losing potential sales if your house doesn’t have curb appeal — the visual attraction from the street. An investment in creating good curb appeal can be the deciding factor in whether or not homebuyers take a look inside your house or move on to another listing.

It’s difficult to look at your own house the same way that potential homebuyers do. Because it’s your home you have an emotional attachment to it. You’re also accustomed to the way your house looks so it’s difficult to see its faults.

Here are a few ideas to help you work on your home’s curb appeal.

Instead of just pulling into your driveway or garage the next time you head home, pretend that you’re a buyer who’s approaching the house for the first time. Jot down the answers to these questions:

• What’s your first impression of the house?

• What are the best exterior features? How can you enhance them?

• What are the worst exterior features? What can you do to improve or minimize them?

It may also help to take a photo of your house and scrutinize it closely.

Next, you’ll need to make a list of the problems you spotted. The first things to tackle are any projects that involve cleaning and simple repairs — sweeping the porch or walkway, for example, or fixing the crooked house number above your door.

After you’ve taken care of the simplest problems, put some time into projects that will make your house and property more attractive. This could include anything from planting shrubbery to giving the entryway a new coat of paint. Improvements don’t always have to be costly. Something as simple and inexpensive as replacing the doorknob hardware on your front door can make a noticeable difference.

Landscaping is an important element in curb appeal. Sometimes adding elements to your landscaping can vastly improve curb appeal; however, there are also times when removing plantings is even more effective. Trees or shrubbery that obscure windows or doors are probably best removed.

Since you never know when prospective buyers may be checking your house out, it may be a good idea to repeat the curb appeal exercise again when it’s dark. Lighting is key for evening curb appeal. Make sure that any exterior lighting is working properly and that it enhances the appearance of your home.

You may also consider adding a decorative street lamp or replacing the old front porch light with an attractive light fixture. Another way to improve the evening curb appeal of your house is to string low-voltage lighting near landscape features or along your walkway or driveway.

These ideas are things that you can do on your own to start the process of creating a home with great curb appeal. Of course, working with your Realtor will help you make the most of your one chance to make a great first impression.