That’s right, studies show that a potential home buyer makes up their mind within the first 8 seconds of seeing the outside of a home whether to take the next step, or just drive on by. With the inventory of homes listed for sale at record highs, that’s a lot of competition. Given a limited budget, what can you as a seller do to ensure your home beats the 8 second mark?

It is called “curb appeal”. Similar to “sex appeal”, it attracts the potential buyer (or mate) in the front door. If a buyer does not get excited looking at the outside of a property, the chances in getting them in the door are very slim. Just like all the loyal customers at Creditinfocenter.com know that “Good Credit is Sexy”, first impressions can make or break your first date, so why not use the same principals with a major purchase like a home?

Try to think of your home’s appearance as a form of advertising. The few hundred dollars you invest in increasing its curb appeal can mean more viewings, a quicker sale and – possibly – a better price. Here are some suggestions of inexpensive ways to boost your curb appeal:

• Pressure wash dirty siding and dingy decks.
• Cut, rake, fertilize the grass and water frequently enough to keep it green; fill and seed any bare patches.
• Add flowers or colorful plants to spruce up landscaping and add pizazz.
• Keep the lawn and porch or deck clear of bikes, toys, gardening tools, newspapers and other clutter.
• Clear and large house number matching look of home
• Attractive and neat mailbox matching the theme decor of your home
• Front door: make sure it is clean, attractive, newly stained or polished, opens and shuts smoothly and the doorbell functions.
• Make sure roof is clean and free of debris.
• Repair any loose items such as trim, screens, shutters, handrails, steps, etc.
• Edge driveway and sidewalks and remove any vegetation growing between concrete or bricks.
• Remove flaking paint and stucco from the steps, porch or deck, door, trim and storage sheds and repaint.
• Tuck garbage containers out of sight.
• Keep the pool immaculate: remove any mold or mildew from pool enclosures.
• Wash windows and replace any cracked glass.
• Add a decorative street lamp or an attractive light fixture to a front porch.
• Kill mold and mildew on the house, sidewalks, roof, or driveway.
• Trim tree limbs that are near or touching the home’s roof.

Most buyers cannot visualize changes, and often won’t take a second look at a house if the first look doesn’t appeal to them. Home buyers who can visualize changes, and are prepared to make them, expect you to reduce the price of the house to compensate for the work they plan to do.

So, up your curb appeal with these inexpensive tips and hopefully you’ll get more potential buyers in the door. Readers, any other tips we didn’t cover here that you’d like to share?

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