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Simple steps go a long way toward increasing curb appeal, which can be a determining factor for buyers. Power washing a house's siding, painting worn areas, trimming bushes and trees and raking a lawn can go a long way in increasing a home's first impression."Take a look at how your house appears from the street," said Kim Scappaticci of Wallauer's Design Center. "If you think the exterior is in need of a fresh look, try giving the front door a facelift. Make a bold statement with a bright color, such as red, yellow, lime or green."
Inside, sellers should embrace their inner spring cleaning. Having spent the past several months indoors, many homeowners allow possessions to amass in unsightly piles, creating an instant turn-off for a buyer. It's important to reduce clutter and tidy up.
Worn-out rooms should also be thoroughly scrubbed and given a fresh paint job where needed. If possible, painting a wall a bright color often work best. "Bright colors invoke a sense of happiness and are uplifting," said Scappaticci. "Think about the cheer on a bright sunny day." Scappaticci explained that neutral base colors such as Mountain Peak by Benjamin Moore serve as a great foundation. "The color is light, clean and fresh. It's the perfect canvas to enhance all the other features of a home," she said.
When preparing a house for the market, it's important for homeowners to imagine themselves in a buyer's shoes. A clean, freshly painted house welcomes owners-to-be and in some cases, can even sell a home faster. "First impressions are important, as buyers look for move-in ready homes," said Scappaticci.
For more information on how to prepare your house for spring, click here.
