We’ve all heard it said – you never have a second chance to make a first impression.  It’s absolutely true when it comes to getting a home sold, and curb appeal is a big part of a potential buyer’s impression of your home.  In this market, selling your Hillsborough County home can be tough.  The greatest thing about improving the curb appeal of your home is that typically some very small changes can make a big difference.  Whether you’re interested in making some minor changes or undertaking an entire exterior overhaul, here’s some advice to help you along the way.

First, you should start out by taking a good look at the exterior of your home.  What are its best features?  Identify them and keep them in mind as you decide what work will be done – those features are the ones you’ll want to enhance.  Next, decide what the exterior features are that should be downplayed. That way, you can keep them in mind during the process so that they can be improved or minimized.  One important thing to keep in mind while you’re evaluating is to look at the home both in the day and in the evening – the potential new owner of your home could drive by at any time!

“You’ve only got a few seconds before a potential buyer forms their initial opinion of your Hillsborough County home” says Rick Miller, an avid gardener and associate with Smith & Associates Real Estate.  “To make the best of that first impression, always make sure to clean up, trim, and get rid of dead plants and leaves.  Adding mulch and color is also always a great idea.”

Clean up! Put away the mess – hoses, gardening equipment, tools, your children’s toys, and other miscellaneous items.  Whatever isn’t ornamental should be neatly stowed in a garage or shed.  Keep the lawn mowed and in good condition and trim trees and shrubs where necessary.  Wash windows, patio furniture and consider pressure washing dirty siding, paint, driveways, patios, or walkways.

Freshen up! Consider repainting your home, touching up trim, or at very least repairing cracked or peeling paint,  siding, wood, or trim.  A fresh coat of paint can be an easy way to achieve a transformation.  Look at door and window hardware and decide whether to freshen up what you’ve got by polishing or painting, or to purchase new handles and locksets.  Also look at your fencing, decks, and railings to see if they’re in need of some attention in the form of paint or sealant.  If your home has gutters and downspouts, make sure they’re in good order by cleaning them out and replacing or touching up pieces that may be broken, bent, or rusty.

Dress it up! The front door is most often the focal point of the exterior of your home – so make the entryway welcoming.  Dressing up the front door with paint, accents, new house numbers, or eye pleasing light fixtures can instantly help curb appeal.  Replace a mailbox which isn’t in good order and consider framing it with plants.  Consider adding some outdoor art – but make sure to keep it tasteful.  Choose pieces that complement your Hillsborough County home – pink flamingos are probably not the way to go.  The addition of a birdbath, sculpture, fountain, or arbor can add instant charm to your yard or garden.  Last, but certainly not least add some life – plants!  If you’re not into re-landscaping or major gardening efforts, consider the addition of a strategically placed container garden or some window boxes to add some color.  They’re easy to add and can be completed at a low cost.

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