Home Staging 101: Part 2 – Staging Your Home’s Exterior

Exterior Staging

Sundell Realty's Guide to Exterior Staging

by Andrew Sundell

Exterior Staging
In the first part of Home Staging 101, we looked at home staging and how it relates to selling your house. We all have an idea of what staging is, but far too few sellers take this concept seriously enough.
You can dramatically increase your home’s value by simply cleaning, decluttering, and making small repairs. And this concept applies to both the inside and outside of your home.

“Staging” Your Home’s Exterior & Property

You can read about the importance of enhancing your home’s curb appeal as it relates to the value Here. This is the #1 mistake that I see amongst my home selling clients. Oftentimes, homeowners underestimate the impact that the condition of the yard & exterior has on their home’s value. Buyers see the exterior first – so do not neglect to maintain it to make a good first impression! Follow the below tips to make your home stand out above the crowd!

Freshen Up Your Mailbox

o Even something as simple as repainting the post and address numbers can go a long way
o You can also add some small plants around your mailboxes base

Landscape Upgrades

o Make sure trees and bushes are well groomed
o Pull weeds from the garden beds
o Add a fresh layer of mulch to help prevent weeds and refresh the look
o Remove any dead plants, trees, and bushes
o Re-edge the garden beds to present clean, sharp lines
o Add some colorful plants or bushes to liven up the area

Yard Upgrades

o Hire a landscaper to cut & edge your grass, or do-it-yourself – but do it well!
o Correct any issues with the grading around the home’s perimeter
o If there is any pooling of water, you can install a french drain to help disburse the runoff
o Reseed any bare spots
o Clean up loose leaves, branches, and debris
o If any of your yard is open, create a small outdoor area by adding a fire pit and some chairs

Fencing

o If there is any broken fencing, make repairs
o Ensure all latches , handles, and locks are in proper order
o If it is an aging wood fence, reapply a coat of paint

Exterior Upgrades

o Replace any broken siding. If you can’t find a piece in the right color, match the paint
o Powerwash the roof & brick/stone/siding if needed from top to bottom. Begin with a lighter pressure to gauge how much is required to remove the buildup
o Clean the windows thoroughly
o Paint or replace shutters if necessary to update the appearance
o Paint the front door and thoroughly clean or update the hardware
o Ensure all lighting is functioning properly
o Clean the gutters, and replace any bent pieces (if aluminum)
o Ensure all exterior electrical outlets are functioning properly
o If you have the ability, you can install lighting along the walkway or spotlights on the house relatively quickly and cheaply
o Whatever the size of your porch is, you can dress your front door area up nicely with a new welcome mat, some hanging planters, a hanging flag, outdoor wall decorations, and a small table and chairs. However, do not overcrowd the door if space is lacking

Do You Have a Deck? Fix It Up!

o First ensure the deck footings and foundation posts are seated properly
o Replace any rotted or warped decking
o Reseal or repaint the deck, if applicable
o Create an outdoor space by adding outdoor furniture, an outdoor rug, and some planters
o If there is anything but the furniture, grill, and plants – remove it for a clean look

Driveway, Walkways, & Pavement

o Reseal your driveway and fill any cracks
o If you have any pooling of water in your driveway, level it out
o If you have a stone driveway, add more stone if it is showing bare spots
o Powerwash all paved surfaces to remove dirt and buildup
o Make sure to address any tripping hazards on the walkways

The Bottom Line

Many of the above tips can be done at little or no cost if you are willing to put in some sweat equity. Depending on the comps in your area, you can choose to do as little or as much as possible. The bottom line is, you want to make sure the time, money, and energy you are putting into your house will result in profitability. This is why it is smart to discuss your options with your agent – your agent should be familiar with the level of upgrades and values of similar homes in your area.
Best of luck to you on staging your home’s exterior!  In future additions to this series (Home Staging 101), we will go over staging your home’s interior.Best of luck to you on staging your home’s exterior! In future additions to this series (Home Staging 101), we will go over staging your home’s interior.
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