In Part 1 I performed an experiment in which I drove up to 10 random houses I’ve never seen before to figure out curb appeal, and what I noticed first at each house. All three items were obvious, and yet thought of for only a half-second. These touches I’ve noticed can do a lot for curb appeal, and general appearance of a property.
Series Part 2: FRONT YARD
Here’s the deal sellers and those who want to sell your yard, it has to be maintained. If your yard has obvious spots, I’m going to know that you have at least one dog, you let it go in your front yard, and there may be other areas of the house which have pet-marks ranging in costs to fix.
It leaves an unsettled feeling in my stomach ranging from, “They don’t care” to “How do I fix this, do I want to fix this?”
Create an area in the back yard where Fido can go relieve himself. Preferably a rocky area so the excretement doesn’t burn holes into your backyard. Pick up some dirt from a nearby landscaping center, and rake in some fresh dirt over the yellowed spots. Plant seed and grow new grass in those areas. This same fix can be used for weed killing gone awry. Explain to your agent that the yard has had some trouble spots, but you are working to create a beautiful green yard, and you are waiting for the grass to grow. You should have sprouting grass within a few days, and a well-blended yard in a couple of weeks.
If the patches are large, consider digging up the area and planting a new tree. Then landscape around it with wood chips, rocks, or a flower bed. A flower bed can allow some unique curves should you need to extend the new growing area to cover up problem areas.
Make sure you keep the yard mowed and weed-free. If you have already moved or are about to move and the house will be vacant for awhile, hire a landscaping crew to come by once a week or so to mow and tend the shrubbery.
This is the time of year yards and gardens should be shinning, welcoming me to your home. If it doesn’t do that, it feels depressing, and no one wants to buy a depressing house at asking price.
About the Author: Kelly Young, GRI
- Author's website: www.sellmyhomeincoloradosprings.com
- More posts by Kelly
- email the author
Kelly is an Associate Broker with Red Rock Realty. She has over 12 years experience in Real Estate in the Colorado Springs and Front Range region of Colorado. She represents buyers and sellers of real estate buying homes, land for sale, mountain getaways. Specific areas include: Black Forest, Broadmoor, Colorado Springs, Divide, Falcon, Downtown, Manitou Springs, Monument, Old Colorado City, Westside, Woodmen Hills and Woodland Park. You can reach her at 719-226-0126 or by clicking "email the author" above.
