IMPROVING YOUR PROPERY FOR A SUMMER SALE

With the weather continuing to improve, beach days are right around the corner.  But if your house is on the market you need to choose which days need to be spent having fun and which days will be used to give your home a facelift.  What better way to bring attention to your house on the market by sprucing up the yard. 

A study conducted at Clemson University states the sales price of a home with excellent landscaping can be 6-7% higher than an equivalent house with average landscaping.

Here are a few tips that can make your property look more attractive and leave an impression on potential buyers:

Mow the lawn- make sure to keep your lawn mowed as often as possible when showing or preparing a house. No one likes over grown grass, so having a freshly cut lawn will improve the overall look

Pull the weeds- don’t mistake pesky weeds for healthy greenery—remove or prevent weeds before you plant to keep them from getting in the way. They will only distract the viewers from the true beauty of your home

Plant colorful flowers- welcome in the beautiful weather by adding bright flowers to the yard.  This will draw their attention and give them even more of a reason to take a look at your home

Fresh application of mulch- by putting down a fresh application of mulch, pine straw, woodchips, etc. the yard will have a clean and freshly landscaped look.  This will also help to make the colors from the various plants and flowers look bright and vibrant

Trim the hedges- don’t let potential buyers be deceived by dead branches and overgrown bushes. By clipping away unnecessary limbs and leaves, the greenery in your yard will look much more appealing

Spruce up doorways and patios- these two areas are locations where people may enter and exit the house. Because they are prime spots, decorating them with flowers and keeping them tidy will leave a lasting impression. Placing mats by the doorways not only serve as added decor, but they help keep your house clean by preventing dirt from being carried on viewer’s shoes. 

Show your house number- don’t make it a scavenger hunt for potential buyers to find your home. GPS are not always reliable tools—be sure your house number is clear to see from far away 

Clean the driveway and sidewalk- Sweeping away debris from the sidewalk and driveway will make the yard will look much more appealing. If these areas are extremely dirty, think about using a power washer to give them a deep clean  

Remove debris from the roof and gutters- although the roof and gutters may not be the first things the eyes are drawn to, they do play a part in the overall image of your home. Cleaning them out is a good idea to prevent water blockage and keep your property looking neat

Keep the pool clean- no one wants to swim in a dirty pool, let alone buy a house that has a poorly kept one—it means more work for the new homeowner. Have the pool cleaned and properly regulated so it looks inviting. Avoid leaving toys scattered about and check for any potential hazards around the swimming area. For the off season, properly cover and protect the pool to prevent issues for the nice weather.

Keep in mind, all of these tips can be done year round so your house in the best shape possible.  Being proactive and maintaining the property will alleviate stress when showing your home. Increasing the overall appeal of your property will make it more inviting and potential buyers will have a lasting impression in their minds. 

Amy Mizner is a principal at the real estate firm of Benoit Mizner Simon & Co. (BMS).  Mizner and her partner Sheryl Simon have been the top-selling team in Weston for more than a decade.  At BMS, which has offices in Weston and Wellesley, Mizner and her team work to provide a fresh approach, and a highly professional experience for all clients.