Dear Sellers, “The Importance of Curb Appeal”

A flower here, some trimming there and a good scrub throughout makes your property shine and when showing you home something that needs to be done!

Here in the rain forest we have a tendency to not pay attention to the “little things” like geckos, the occasional layer of dust or the sun bleach wood pillar/decks. We know it rains a lot, we know there is lots of dust in the jungle and we know that there are critters that cohabitate with us. We use these common excuses that, although have merit, does not bode well with prospective buyers not accustomed to life in the jungle. They do not know how harsh the environment can be on a home.

Buyers are seeking the exotic and tropical yet have not lived here to know what that fully entails. As we tour properties, we compare each one and summarize what they liked and what they disliked about each. Our buyers are investing their time to assess where they put their money and they like to talk, talk, talk. What do you think they talk about? “Oh that house was so un-kept.” “The last house had so much potential, but all those dead bugs…” “All that house needed was some paint and plants…” The list goes on

For a small investment of time you can sweep up the dead bugs, clean and put dishes away, fluff up those couch cushions, light a few scented candles and place vases of fresh flowers in rooms/bathrooms. Sounds simple, but you would be surprised at some of the homes we’ve been where no effort was made to encourage buyers to stay and look around. If you don’t think your home is special you can hardly expect someone else to appreciate the home.

Another small yet full of impact tip is, LANDSCAPING. If you really want to make your home show well and turn it from an average home to one worthy of a magazine cover, landscaping is a must. The jungle is beautiful but you don’t want your front or back yard to look like one. By adding some beautiful vibrant colors and keeping them well maintained, they will not only frame and beautify your home but add tremendous value.

I ask every prospective seller to leave home for a few hours and drive around some neighborhoods looking at different homes and landscaping. Where does your gaze focus? Return to your home as if you were a buyer who wants the best. Is the drive leading to your home pleasing? Is it lined with gorgeous flowers or bushes? Are those flowers neatly trimmed so that it gives you, the prospective buyer, the feeling that you are entering a special place? Is your garage organized or is it littered with boxes, tools and trash? Do you have termite trails that have not been power-washed or a hive of wasps that attack as you enter? When you enter the home does it look and feel inviting? What more can you think of as you see your home through the eyes of another?

We are talking basics, not rocket science. We want your home to stand out, which can be accomplished with very little effort and investment, which can lead to lots and lots of financial returns. Just do it!