“Curb Appeal” in the World of Internet Real Estate
First Impressions Count
Improving your home cost money, and everyone wants to ensure that they increase the resale value of their home and have the ability to recoup that cost when it is time to sale as well. There are certain areas of a home that can be remodeled and bring the greatest return on investment. One of these areas is curb appeal.
Homebuyers make their decision to view a property based on when they first see the house. The majority of the time it’s from a photo. In the past most homebuyers view of potential homes was from small black and white photos in a Real Estate magazine or newspaper. It was a level playing field. All the photos being viewed allowed small problems to be overlooked.
Things have changed in the internet age. With the majority of buyers shopping online for homes before they follow up with an actual visit, curb appeal is critical in online photographs. Online photos are larger and show more detail than the older methods of paper advertisement.
A large percentage of home buyers decide whether or not to look inside a house or take it seriously based on its curb photos. It doesn’t matter that you just spent $25,000 on a kitchen remodeling job. If their first impression of the curb photos is not a favorable one, you probably will not get them to view the inside of your home.
It’s difficult to look at our house in the same way that potential home buyers do, because when we become accustomed to the way something looks and functions, we can’t see its flaws. To help you see what your house would look like to a potential buyer or your neighbors, try this exercise.
The next time you come home, stop across the street or far enough down the driveway to get a good view of the house and the surrounding area.
1. What is your first impression of the house and yard area?
2. What are the best exterior features of the house or lot? How can you enhance them?
3. What are the worst exterior features of the house or lot? How can you minimize or improve them?
Park where a potential buyer would and walk towards the house, looking around you as if it were your first visit. Is the approach clean and tidy? What could you do to make it more attractive?
Take photos of the homes exterior. If you have a digital camera, view the color versions first, then remove the color and look at it in black and white, because it’s easier to see problems when color isn’t around to affect our senses.
Make a list of the problem areas you discovered. Tackle clean up and repair chores first, then put some time into projects that make the grounds more attractive. If you discover major items such as roof or siding issues, you may opt to tackle these problems prior to listing the house. Most buyers will shy away form a property that show maintenance problems.
If you would like, I would be more than happy to do this exercise for you. It doesn’t matter if you are planning on marketing your home in six days, six months, or six years, I’m here to offer you my opinion. Interested? Send me an email or give me a call.
Open House April 3rd 2-4PM
776 Panther Lane South Lake Tahoe
Great value on this large home located in Gardner Mountain. 4 Bedroomss, 3 baths, and a bonus space that could be used as a gym, office, or storage. Great room with wood burning fireplace, beautiful open pine beams and ceilings. New exterior and interior paint, new carpet, new redwood deck, new energy efficient heater and insulated window shades. Easy access to shopping, restaurants, bike trails, Camp Richardson, and miles of National Forest trails. This would make a perfect family home or vacation getaway for large groups. Stop by and preview this wonderful home. Priced to sell at $349,000
Open House- Saturday November 7th
1357 Gilmore Lake Road, South Lake Tahoe
This beautiful new construction home is situated on a large, sunny lot and includes 4 bedrooms (2 master suites), 4 full baths with jetted tubs, 2 large living areas and 3 fireplaces. The kitchen offers an abundance of cabinetry and space to entertain with 2 islands, 2 sinks and stainless steel appliances. This is a unique opportunity to purchase a brand new home at below market value and still chose some of the finishing touches.
Information Center
| From local chambers, government and areas of special interest, below you will find a list of sites that provide various helpful information. |
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| South Lake Tahoe California Information Chambers: South Lake Tahoe Chamber Truckee Chamber North Lake Tahoe Resort Asscociation Government: Schools: Special Interest: |
