Cleanliness is Next to Curb Appeal
A recent study revealed what we already know: Homes with good curb appeal sell for tens of thousands of dollars more. But there’s one aspect of curb appeal that makes the most difference of all.
According to a study published in the Journal of Real Estate Finance & Economics, “more” equals 7%. That might not sound like a lot until you do the math. On a $500k home, 7% is $35,000! That same study demonstrates how “more” increases to 14% when you’re in a buyer’s market. So we are not talking small potatoes here.
There are several factors that figure into curb appeal of course—landscaping, paint job, entry, lighting—but the foundation of all curb appeal is cleanliness.
Funny story: A couple in Jacksonville was getting ready to sell their home, so they hired a company to deep clean the exterior—roof, siding, driveway, walkways, patios, windows, the works. When the cleaning company finished, the couple decided not to sell! They results were so impressive that they fell in love with their home again.
Between our recent rains and all that pollen, Tampa’s houses could use a good spring cleaning. Here’s a checklist for getting your home looking its best again.
PRESSURE WASHING
Get out that pressure washer! The difference this makes is amazing. Don’t have the time, energy or equipment to do it yourself? Consider using popular local business Shack Shine—you’ve probably seen Zach Tyler’s cute signs around town. Not only do they do windows, gutters, eaves, shutters, siding, etc., they also hang Christmas lights!
FRONT DOOR
Give that front door a fresh coat of paint. Your front door is the smile on the face of the front of your house. It conveys a message to passersby and is the first impression your guests get. If it’s grimy and fingerprinty, scuffed from holiday wreaths, old and faded, chipped or peeling, or just an outdated color, a fresh coat will make all the difference.
FRESH MULCH
Give your yard an instantly manicured look with fresh mulch—and since you’re already out there, may as well add a pop of color with blooms in your beds or planters by your door. Not the best planter-arranger? Take your planters to Bloom! The folks at Julie Lohoefener’s precious little shop will arrange them for you.
Carrie Rowland is an Accredited Buyer’s Representative,® Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist,® Military Relocation Professional,® Graduate of the Realtor Institute® and a Realtor-Associate at RE/MAX Alliance Group in South Tampa
