Monthly Archives: November 2009

By Susan Eickmeier

Many people might say you cannot judge a book by its cover, and that same cliché can be applied perfectly to curb appeal. Some houses cannot simply be adequate enough on the outside but be a perfect fit on the inside to those who would just pass by. There will always be a select group of readers and in this case, potential homebuyers who are missing out on great homes because of a not-so-great exterior.

A good experiment to try is to stop across the street the next time you drive or arrive home. How does your house look? What are the home’s best and worst features and what can you do to enhance or minimize them?

Approach your home. Is it clean-looking, is the walk up to it tidy and unobstructed? Walking up to your driveway or pathway is something you do everyday. What are you missing when you don’t take a closer look?

Doing this exercise just before nightfall is also helpful because you may notice your outdoor lighting is lacking or could use some rearranging. Using indoor lighting to create warmth when looked upon from outside is also inviting. It is not unusual for a buyer to look at your home later in the day, or to drive around back if possible. If your back yard can be seen from a nearby road or driveway, it is useful to repeat the exercise here.

Taking photos of your home and viewing them in black and white can also highlight minor imperfections that are usually difficult to see in colour photographs. It offers a different perspective and an almost fresh set of eyes to you, someone who sees the home every single day.

Some handy tips you can use to increase your curb appeal include the following:

• Remember, whether you hire a professional, or plan to some of it yourself, you will definitely reap the rewards later;
• Replacing the windows, front doors and shutters. If replacing the door is too expensive, try embellishing it with new hardware.
• If you are doing this yourself, washing mildew or mold on the siding and windows using a pressure washer will make it much easier. This is also a great idea for decks, railings, the driveway or anything else which needs to be refreshed.
• Removing any weeds growing through cracks in pavement or patio stones, even the sidewalk if there is one. Landscape to the street.
• Planting for your lighting situation – some plants do better in shade than in full sun. Find bushes or trees for the colder winter months so that the house looks great year-round.
• Using neutral or natural-looking paint colours on the house,  and ensure the trim compliments the roof and save bright and vivid colours for smaller outside accents such as patio furniture.
• Avoiding outside clutter and keeping the exterior of the house clean is a must.

By ensuring the outside of a home looks as encouraging and inviting as the inside, more potential buyers can be attracted. Remember what drew your family to the property in the first place and emphasize all that you can to show off what your house can offer to buyers who will want a closer look.

Susan Eickmeier is a Sales Representative with Royal LePage R.E.S. Ltd/Johnston & Daniel Division working in the Central Toronto market.  Susan is also a regular contributor to the Muddy York Blog. Susan’s website is located at www.susaneickmeier.com