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An Irresistible Home Starts at the Curb

The old saying about making a good first impression couldn't be truer than when you are selling your home. That first impression has to create interest from the moment a buyer drives up to your home. Curb appeal is that subjective, intangible quality that entices buyers to think emotionally rather than logically. Perhaps it's the way the home sits on the property, or the mix of clapboard and fieldstone. It may be the expanse of grass carpeting, the stately columns, or the boisterous symphony of greenery and brilliantly colored flowers. In any case, it's love at first sight.

How can you tell where your home registers on the curb appeal scale? One way to find out is to take pictures of your property from various angles. Show them to friends, family, colleagues, anyone known for providing painfully objective feedback. Find out what's appealing about the home and grounds, and what needs improvement. Take the photos to a nursery for a professional landscaper's opinion. Even more important, consult your real estate professional. A local real estate professional has experience selling homes in your area and can be a great resource. Ask the agent to walk around the property with you and view it from across the street. Develop a "to do" list to bring your home up to show condition, then brainstorm easy, cost-effective solutions.

Surprisingly, even small enhancements can make a big difference. Building on your home's curb appeal might be as easy as replacing a broken screen and planting a few flowers near the front door.

Here are some ideas to get you going.

Paint and polish. A fresh coat of paint breathes new life into a tired-looking home. If your home looks dull or suffers from peeling, cracked or chipped surfaces, a paint job is a great investment. Many real estate professionals suggest using neutral colors such as white or gray. Whether or not you paint, you'll want to polish the doorknocker and mail slot on the front door, as well as any light fixtures by the entry.

Go over the grounds. Mow and edge the grass, and trim the trees and bushes. Also, clear away dead leaves and flowers, and mulch and weed the beds. Check to see that tree branches are not touching the home's roof or outer walls. You can spruce up the property by hanging flowering baskets and placing planters of flowers in strategic spots. Don't forget the side and back yards. Add some flowering plants to the back as well.

Make needed repairs. See if anything is unhinged, loose or just an eyesore. Fix everything including broken fencing, windows and screens. Try the doorbell. Check stairs and railings. Test doors for squeaks and rusted hinges. Don't forget to take a critical look at the property at night. Make sure the lights work, and replace dim and burned-out bulbs.

Unclutter. Tidy up the deck, patio and back yard. Rearrange the outdoor furniture to look inviting. Put away gardening tools. Clean up the barbecue area. Eliminate any "evidence" of Fido, and restrict him to the back yard when showing the home. Move extra vehicles from the view of passersby.

Clean. You want buyers to think the home has been well maintained. To make a bright impression, clean the windows, inside and out, wash down the walks and driveway, and hose down the siding. Clean outdoor furniture and cushions. Check for oil spots on cement surfaces, especially the garage floor.

Remember, a sale can be made or lost as a direct result of your home's curb appeal. Exert a little elbow grease now and you'll captivate buyers at the curb. It's a sure way to a quicker sale.

Attract Buyers With A Home That Has Eye Appeal

The housing market has become much more competitive. Many communities are beginning to see homes remain longer on the market and the bargaining pendulum swing in favor of the buyer. This is called a buyer's market, as the number of available homes outnumbers the buyers. As a seller, your challenge is to turn a buyer's market to your advantage.

The right price is vital, because overpricing your home can cause you to eliminate potential buyers and lengthen the time that your home stays on the market. But equally important is making sure that you give your home a competitive edge by giving it creative eye appeal.

Many homeowners make the mistake believing they are selling "their home," but once on the market your home is actually a product. You need to create an environment the buyer can't resist. In other words, do everything you can to make the home so attractive, charming, cozy, inviting, comfortable and exciting that a buyer will want to buy that lifestyle for himself.

This can be accomplished by making just a few improvements in your home's presentation. Here are some guidelines to make your property distinctive and memorable.

Eliminate clutter. Have you ever noticed how model homes are perfect with no mess, clutter, or mass of personal belongings heaped about? There should only be a few exquisite and well-placed accessories on tables, desks, chests, etc. Also, clear kitchen and bathroom counters and furniture of everything except decorative accessories. Put the personal things--cosmetics, toiletries, clothes, bills, papers, and homework -- out of sight. Tuck wastebaskets under counters or inside cabinets. Clutter and personal belongings detract from the important features of the home.
Create a color theme. If you embark on any investment decorating, like painting, wallpaper, draperies or new furniture purchases, create a color theme that's consistent. Wall-to-wall carpeting should be the same throughout the house. Neutral colors are best to please all tastes.
Rearrange the furniture. Just the slightest readjustments can make a big difference. Pull the furniture from against the walls to create a more intimate setting. Move furniture from one room to another. That extra armchair in the living room may create a cozy sitting area in the guest bedroom.
Create custom spaces. Luxury master bathrooms, decorator kitchens, built-in cabinets, computer workstations, exercise rooms, and children's play areas are the kinds of features that generate sales appeal. Even if you don't have these specific custom spaces, you can fashion them or suggest the potential for creating them. Accessories, mirrors, plants and fluffy new towels can generate a feeling of luxury even in a plain-Jane bathroom. Turn an extra bedroom into an exercise room if you've got the equipment, or a loft space into a child's play area or hobby center.
Keep it clean and pristine. Dust, vacuum, mop and polish on a regular basis. You're not selling the furniture, but a high shine on wood furniture and floors can make a room sing. Touch up nicks on walls and make sure the porcelain sinks and tubs and metallic fixtures shine. Windows should sparkle. Keep yards and landscaping neat and attractive. Add color spots of flowers to perk up entryways and yards.
Consult with a professional. There are decorator professionals trained to "stage" a home for sale. They are able to offer an objective view of what buyers are looking for in your competitive market. Depending upon location, neighborhood, demographics and price range, the special touches that turn on buyers may range from splashy master bathrooms and gourmet kitchens to children's play areas or home offices.

You don't have to spend a great deal of money to give your property the competitive edge. Just try to imagine the kind of lifestyle your target buyer would enjoy, and use a few decorative touch-ups to create it.

Risks of Remodeling Without a Permit
Most cities require that homeowners obtain a building permit before making modifications to their residence. Which modifications require a permit vary by city. Also, some cities are more vigilant than others in enforcing permit laws.

In order for the homeowner to receive a permit, the homeowner or his/her designee are required to file plans and pay fees to the city. In addition, the improvements are given a value. If they increase the value of the property, this may result in an increase in property taxes. Inspections are often required, and this means having to schedule and then wait for inspectors to approve the work to be done. This process can be time consuming and inconvenient in the short run. It is for this reason that some homeowners skip the permit process.

If a permit is needed and you fail to get one, the city may discover this at some time in the future and getting a permit retroactively can frequently be significantly more expensive and much more problematic than having obtained the permit before work commenced. If work is not done in accordance with city procedures or if the inspector is unable to determine if the work has been done properly, the homeowner could be required to open walls, tear up floors, so that the inspection may take place. In addition, by law, work not permitted where a permit was required must be disclosed to any prospective purchaser. This may cause the owner to discount their sale price or perform costly or time-consuming repairs before title can be transferred.

For prospective buyers of a property, save yourself the future hassle and loss of money by researching whether all work on the premises has been done according to code and with the proper permits. You may obtain these permits by going directly to Building & Safety in the municipality in which the property is located or by hiring a "permit puller" who will research the permits for you.

				Sellers Information An Irresistible Home Starts at the Curb The old saying about making a good first impression couldn't be truer than when you are selling your home. That first impression has to create interest from the moment a buyer drives up to your home. Curb appeal is that subjective, intangible quality that entices buyers to think emotionally rather than logically. Perhaps it's the way the home sits on the property, or the mix of clapboard and fieldstone. It may be the expanse of grass carpeting, the stately columns, or the boisterous symphony of greenery and brilliantly colored flowers. In any case, it's love at first sight. How can you tell where your home registers on the curb appeal scale? One way to find out is to take pictures of your property from various angles. Show them to friends, family, colleagues, anyone known for providing painfully objective feedback. Find out what's appealing about the home and grounds, and what needs improvement. Take the photos to a nursery for a professional landscaper's opinion. Even more important, consult your real estate professional. A local real estate professional has experience selling homes in your area and can be a great resource. Ask the agent to walk around the property with you and view it from across the street. Develop a "to do" list to bring your home up to show condition, then brainstorm easy, cost-effective solutions. Surprisingly, even small enhancements can make a big difference. Building on your home's curb appeal might be as easy as replacing a broken screen and planting a few flowers near the front door. Here are some ideas to get you going. Paint and polish. A fresh coat of paint breathes new life into a tired-looking home. If your home looks dull or suffers from peeling, cracked or chipped surfaces, a paint job is a great investment. Many real estate professionals suggest using neutral colors such as white or gray. Whether or not you paint, you'll want to polish the doorknocker and mail slot on the front door, as well as any light fixtures by the entry. Go over the grounds. Mow and edge the grass, and trim the trees and bushes. Also, clear away dead leaves and flowers, and mulch and weed the beds. Check to see that tree branches are not touching the home's roof or outer walls. You can spruce up the property by hanging flowering baskets and placing planters of flowers in strategic spots. Don't forget the side and back yards. Add some flowering plants to the back as well. Make needed repairs. See if anything is unhinged, loose or just an eyesore. Fix everything including broken fencing, windows and screens. Try the doorbell. Check stairs and railings. Test doors for squeaks and rusted hinges. Don't forget to take a critical look at the property at night. Make sure the lights work, and replace dim and burned-out bulbs. Unclutter. Tidy up the deck, patio and back yard. Rearrange the outdoor furniture to look inviting. Put away gardening tools. Clean up the barbecue area. Eliminate any "evidence" of Fido, and restrict him to the back yard when showing the home. Move extra vehicles from the view of passersby. Clean. You want buyers to think the home has been well maintained. To make a bright impression, clean the windows, inside and out, wash down the walks and driveway, and hose down the siding. Clean outdoor furniture and cushions. Check for oil spots on cement surfaces, especially the garage floor. Remember, a sale can be made or lost as a direct result of your home's curb appeal. Exert a little elbow grease now and you'll captivate buyers at the curb. It's a sure way to a quicker sale. Attract Buyers With A Home That Has Eye Appeal The housing market has become much more competitive. Many communities are beginning to see homes remain longer on the market and the bargaining pendulum swing in favor of the buyer. This is called a buyer's market, as the number of available homes outnumbers the buyers. As a seller, your challenge is to turn a buyer's market to your advantage. The right price is vital, because overpricing your home can cause you to eliminate potential buyers and lengthen the time that your home stays on the market. But equally important is making sure that you give your home a competitive edge by giving it creative eye appeal. Many homeowners make the mistake believing they are selling "their home," but once on the market your home is actually a product. You need to create an environment the buyer can't resist. In other words, do everything you can to make the home so attractive, charming, cozy, inviting, comfortable and exciting that a buyer will want to buy that lifestyle for himself. This can be accomplished by making just a few improvements in your home's presentation. Here are some guidelines to make your property distinctive and memorable. Eliminate clutter. Have you ever noticed how model homes are perfect with no mess, clutter, or mass of personal belongings heaped about? There should only be a few exquisite and well-placed accessories on tables, desks, chests, etc. Also, clear kitchen and bathroom counters and furniture of everything except decorative accessories. Put the personal things--cosmetics, toiletries, clothes, bills, papers, and homework -- out of sight. Tuck wastebaskets under counters or inside cabinets. Clutter and personal belongings detract from the important features of the home. Create a color theme. If you embark on any investment decorating, like painting, wallpaper, draperies or new furniture purchases, create a color theme that's consistent. Wall-to-wall carpeting should be the same throughout the house. Neutral colors are best to please all tastes. Rearrange the furniture. Just the slightest readjustments can make a big difference. Pull the furniture from against the walls to create a more intimate setting. Move furniture from one room to another. That extra armchair in the living room may create a cozy sitting area in the guest bedroom. Create custom spaces. Luxury master bathrooms, decorator kitchens, built-in cabinets, computer workstations, exercise rooms, and children's play areas are the kinds of features that generate sales appeal. Even if you don't have these specific custom spaces, you can fashion them or suggest the potential for creating them. Accessories, mirrors, plants and fluffy new towels can generate a feeling of luxury even in a plain-Jane bathroom. Turn an extra bedroom into an exercise room if you've got the equipment, or a loft space into a child's play area or hobby center. Keep it clean and pristine. Dust, vacuum, mop and polish on a regular basis. You're not selling the furniture, but a high shine on wood furniture and floors can make a room sing. Touch up nicks on walls and make sure the porcelain sinks and tubs and metallic fixtures shine. Windows should sparkle. Keep yards and landscaping neat and attractive. Add color spots of flowers to perk up entryways and yards. Consult with a professional. There are decorator professionals trained to "stage" a home for sale. They are able to offer an objective view of what buyers are looking for in your competitive market. Depending upon location, neighborhood, demographics and price range, the special touches that turn on buyers may range from splashy master bathrooms and gourmet kitchens to children's play areas or home offices. You don't have to spend a great deal of money to give your property the competitive edge. Just try to imagine the kind of lifestyle your target buyer would enjoy, and use a few decorative touch-ups to create it. Risks of Remodeling Without a Permit Most cities require that homeowners obtain a building permit before making modifications to their residence. Which modifications require a permit vary by city. Also, some cities are more vigilant than others in enforcing permit laws. In order for the homeowner to receive a permit, the homeowner or his/her designee are required to file plans and pay fees to the city. In addition, the improvements are given a value. If they increase the value of the property, this may result in an increase in property taxes. Inspections are often required, and this means having to schedule and then wait for inspectors to approve the work to be done. This process can be time consuming and inconvenient in the short run. It is for this reason that some homeowners skip the permit process. If a permit is needed and you fail to get one, the city may discover this at some time in the future and getting a permit retroactively can frequently be significantly more expensive and much more problematic than having obtained the permit before work commenced. If work is not done in accordance with city procedures or if the inspector is unable to determine if the work has been done properly, the homeowner could be required to open walls, tear up floors, so that the inspection may take place. In addition, by law, work not permitted where a permit was required must be disclosed to any prospective purchaser. This may cause the owner to discount their sale price or perform costly or time-consuming repairs before title can be transferred. For prospective buyers of a property, save yourself the future hassle and loss of money by researching whether all work on the premises has been done according to code and with the proper permits. You may obtain these permits by going directly to Building & Safety in the municipality in which the property is located or by hiring a "permit puller" who will research the permits for you. MammothLakes-RealEstate.com (760) 934-1842 Toll Free: (800) 934-1842 Fax: (760) 924-5058 P.O.Box 2071 Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546 License # 00641115 Home \| Featured Listings \| All Area Properties \| Property Notebook Buyers Information \| Sellers Information \| Current News \| Photo Gallery \| Resources

Sellers Information

An Irresistible Home Starts at the Curb

Attract Buyers With A Home That Has Eye Appeal