First impressions are everything – at least when it comes to selling your home. The National Association of Realtors found that 63 percent of homebuyers will drive by properties they see online before taking a look inside and contacting a realtor. The exterior of the home is the first thing homebuyer's will see, and yours needs to be in tip top shape! When the front entry, yard, driveway and sidewalk look fantastic, buyers will want to come inside to see the rest! Read through to find out how to make a first impression.

1. Not all curb appeal can be seen from the sidewalk. A critical part of selling your home in Baldwin County or Mobile County is getting enticing photos posted online-- After all, 88 percent of homebuyers start the home buying process online. "Professional photos are an integral part of our strategic marketing plan for many properties we sell," said to Brittany Chandler, Marketing Coordinator at Shamrock Properties in Daphne, Alabama.  "Many times, these photos are what catch the eye of the buyer or real estate agent." Most importantly, try to de-clutter prior to taking photos. Even though you may love your kitchen filled with photos and memories, a potential buyer doesn't want to see where you have been on all of your vacations.

2. A budget friendly tip is to pressure wash dirty sidewalks, oil-stained driveways, siding and deck, as well as any faded walkways. This is an extremely cost-efficient way to increase the curb appeal of your home quickly! If you don't own a pressure washer, call us for information on our preferred pressure washing vendors to get it done quickly and professionally! We all know with this South Alabama Gulf Coast weather, the exterior of our homes can get grungy quickly!

3. The third tip is to always add some color! According to local Daphne, Alabama landscapers, there are several types of annual plants that are always in bloom, no matter what time of year. Add some potted plants on the porch, spruce up your window boxes & front beds, and lay some fresh pine straw which will also add color. 

4. Replace your house numbers if they are dirty, dingy or just look aged. This creates a fresh new look and can have tremendous impact on the curb appeal of your property. Don't forget to consider the style of your house when selecting the numbers-- modern or traditional.
5. And finally, always get a second opinion. As homeowners, we get used to certain defects in our homes. The chipped paint and cobwebs don't seem so bad when we see it on a daily basis. "A fresh set of eyes on your property can reveal many things you didn't necessarily see before," said Libby Thompson, Realtor at Shamrock Properties in Daphne. "You may not see that your shutters need to be re-stained, your light switch plates need to be replaced and trim needs to be touched up." 
Photos by ID360 Media