Curb appeal still comes first when selling your home

This winter didn’t see much of a slowdown in home sales as compared to past years, so you can still expect now to be very busy if you plan to sell your home. So put some fresh towels in the bathrooms, shine up those hardwood floors and dust off the mantle because it’s time for prospective buyers to check out your home!

There is, of course, more to the sale than having people visiting the inside of the home. If you’re preparing to sell your home, there are several things that can be done to enhance the appearance and curb appeal that will draw more buyers and get you a higher dollar in a shorter time. And since we’re talking curb appeal, let’s start there — at the curb.

As soon as buyers approach a home from the curb, the first thing they’ll have before them

is the lawn. A green and tidy lawn is a very important aspect of a well-caredfor home. Maintaining a healthy lawn takes time and energy, though — commodities that are often in short supply for busy homeowners.

Whether you choose to work on it yourself or hire a lawn maintenance service, now is the time of year to get the lawn looking its best. Attacking weeds, fertilizing and seeding now will promote a great-looking lawn all summer and will increase your chance for a successful sale.

Landscaping is also essential for sprucing up the appearance of your home. You might be surprised how much better the overall appearance of your yard and house looks just by taking some trimmers to the bushes and hedges along the house.

Also, a fresh bed of mulch is a must and will really make a yard stand out. And don’t forget about color —plant a few annuals like marigolds or petunias for an immediate splash of color. The minimal cost of plants can really make a difference in the salability of the property. In addition to attracting butterflies, you might just attract more buyers!

Of course, the first place people enter your home should be very welcoming. The front door and porch area should be kept clean, and the surface of the door should be free of scratches and dings. A simple coat of paint around the doorframe and door can make a world of difference in earning that first great impression.

If you’re seeking to enhance the curb appeal of your home, remember: Don’t neglect your roof. A roof in need of repair could be a serious deterrent to a quick sale.

Don’t be tempted to limit roof repairs to cosmetic work. Cutting corners in this manner could be disastrous if a home inspection finds the roof to be worn and old.

Cracked, curled or missing shingles signal that the roof is past its prime. To spot problems, circle the house with a pair of binoculars for a closer look, or you can even use a drone with a camera to survey the whole thing (lots of people have those these days). However, for your safety and to protect the shingles, it is wise not to go up on the roof. If you see signs of trouble, contact a professional roofing service.

The following information on selecting a reputable roofer may be of help to you:

■ Select a company that is established in the community and is willing to provide names of previous customers.

■ Obtain more than one written estimate for comparison. Remember: quality is equally as important as price.

■ Before signing a contract, be certain it specifies the work to be done, materials to be used, completion dates, warranties, etc.

Investing in a roof repair is a wise decision that can significantly boost your home’s salability. It is a key home improvement, and putting it off will only make problems more costly to repair and could ultimately delay the sale of your home.

Follow these tips to make your home pop and it’ll draw not only eyes to it, but buyers as well. For more tips on preparing your home for sale, contact a Realtor today.