Increasing the Curb Appeal of Your Outer Banks Home

If you knew that a little elbow grease and a few dollars could make a big difference in the amount of money a buyer offered on your Outer Banks home for sale, would you be willing to roll up your sleeves and get the work done?

Loads of curb appeal can absolutely increase your net at closing, so go change into your work clothes and let’s get started maximizing the value of your home to potential buyers.

• Think ‘neat’.  When buyers approach your Obx home, the first thing they notice is the yard. The old saying is true that ‘You only have one chance to make a good first impression’.  While you don’t have to have a professionally landscaped yard to attract a buyer interested in purchasing Outer Banks real estate, your landscaping should be trimmed and neat.  Edge the grass away from the driveway and walkway, then cut the grass.  Prune bushes that are misshapen, removing any dead material.  Prune any errant limbs that are too close to the house, or that block the view of the house from the street.  Mulch the flower beds.  (Fresh mulch is not only visually appealing, it smells good too.)  Plant some mums for color here and there, as they are deer resistant, and many will come back next spring.  Finally, plant something pretty in a container by the front door - just don’t forget to water it!

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• Think ‘clean’.  Buyers see value in an Outer Banks home that has been well maintained, so be sure that the exterior of your home is clean.  Pressure wash the house, then clean the outside of the windows to remove the cleaning solution residue.  The windows will sparkle from the street.  Pressure wash the decks and bring the wood back to looking new.  Check for any paint touch ups that need to be done on the siding and trim, and while you have your paint clothes on, go ahead and put a coat on the front door.  Imagine the anticipation buyers will feel at your front entry – they will be excited to see the inside of a home that has been so well cared for on the outside.

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• Think ‘freshen’.  If the hardware on your front door is dirty, clean it.  If it’s rusted out, replace it.  And be sure to WD 40 the hinges on the front door so that the buyer’s entrance isn't announced with a squeak!  Notice the condition of the house numbers by the door.  If they are worn, replace them with new ones.  If you have a mailbox out front, check to make sure it is in good shape and replace if needed.  Put worn light fixtures out of their misery. Be sure to check the light bulbs, because buyers will cut every light on to see if it works!  Freshen outdoor furniture with a good cleaning, and new cushions as needed.

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Most Outer Banks sellers understand that buyers looking to purchase a home want real value for their money, and a well maintained home with tons of curb appeal will attract more potential buyers than a home that has been ignored by its owners. 

For more tips on selling Outer Banks real estate, contact Holleay Parcker, your Obx expert, toll-free at 877.207.1617 or on her cell at 252.207.1617.

Holleay has fourteen years of full-time experience assisting buyers and sellers, and in this challenging market, can assist you in maximizing the return from your sale.  Believing that education is the pathway to excellence, Holleay has earned the coveted Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist, is a Million Dollar Guild member, is a member of the Institute of Luxury Home Marketing, and holds the Resort and Recreation Specialist, Accredited Buyer’s Respresentative, and e-PRO designations.  In addition, Holleay was recently awarded the 2014 BEST OF TRULIA TOP AGENT AWARD.