Realtors and statistics agree that properties with great curb appeal spend less time on the market than do those with bland front views. Landscaping is a given for a savvy real estate investor. Now, go the extra step and devote a few dollars and hours to making the first view of your project property a magnet for homebuyer offers.

Driveways and sidewalks
Those dirty discolorations and cracks may be both the first thing and the last thing homebuyers and real estate agents see when arriving and leaving. Noticeable cracks and stains can ruin the effect of lovely landscaping and fresh paint and shutters. Seal the cracks and use commercial garage floor spot removers to keep the impression you want to make consistent.

Siding and gutters
Consider replacing both if they look decrepit in any way. You’ll present a house that looks well-maintained, put-together and attractive.

Flower, flowers, flowers
If you’re a guy and flowers seem a little “girly” to you, remember that it’s often the woman who makes the final home-buying selection.  Especially around the front door, flowers are cheerful and welcoming. One professional rehabber budgets a mere $200 for densely packed blooms to help move her houses more quickly. If your property has a front porch, hanging baskets brimming with color go a long way toward creating that initial reaction “I want to live here!”. In fact, when the place sells, tell the buyer you are leaving the baskets as a housewarming gift. Oh, and – water them, daily if possible.

Neighborhood consistency
Keep the overall look consistent with the nicer houses in the neighborhood. Don’t go all funky by comparison, because that’s not what people buy. If the nicer yards on the block all have dense green hedges running alongside the foundation, or a strip of rock garden edging the front walk, let yours be the best example of the local taste.

Shutters
Shutters add a homey warmth, so long as they are consistent with the exterior design. Shutters offer a chance to blend a neutral color with the outside of the house for an attractive first view.

No outdoor figures, statues or sculptures
In your eyes a special piece adds elegance or whimsy. But so many people are turned off by it that it’s not worth doing.

Landscaping
I put this last because it’s a given, and I wanted to put your attention on the items above. Landscaping doesn’t have to be over-the-top, just make the lawn-scape attractive, neat and finished in appearance.

Many of the exterior touch-up costs are a drop in the bucket compared with what you’ve spent on this project. So give that extra little bit and bring this champion down the homestretch to win – quickly.

What do you think is the one curb-appeal extra that attracts the most positive attention?

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