It’s that time of year again. Spring is in the air; everything is in full bloom, and the Toronto homeowner turns their attention to their front and backyards. Even condo dwellers are getting into the spring spirit, with potted plants and greenery in every nook and cranny that catches some rays.
There’s just something magical as the snow melts and the buds begin to peek through the ground. You just can’t help but want to make the most of the beauty of the season. For some of us, this means digging into the garden and preparing to welcome an explosion of colour and fragrance. Others are busy getting the backyard ready for BBQs and entertaining.
If you’re planning to sell your home, sprucing up the outside is the perfect way to get the attention of potential buyers. In this post, the gloves are on – the gardening gloves, that is! Let’s talk about all things landscaping and curb appeal.
Curb Appeal Versus Landscaping
When decorating the outside for your own enjoyment, we typically refer to it as landscaping. When preparing your house to sell, we call it curb appeal. The difference isn’t just in the name. In fact, it could be an entirely different aesthetic you’re going for.
The primary distinction is – drum roll please, personality, and lots of it! Your home reflects your character and preferences, whether they’re subtle or your epic garden and decor make the nightly news. Perhaps you have a bold welcome sign at the end of your driveway with your name written all over it. This is your house, no question, and anyone who knows you can identify it from a mile away.
Curb appeal is far more generic. It isn’t done to suit your preferences. If you have a penchant for the bold and the brave, you might find “curb appeal” to be quite dull. The idea isn’t even to suit the tastes of a potential buyer. Instead, you showcase the potential rather than highlighting any particular design theme.
Are you searching for your next home in Toronto? The posts below could help you find your ideal neighbourhood:
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Why the Outside Matters
It would be nice if potential buyers would focus exclusively on your home’s interior beauty. However, people can and do judge a book by its cover. An attractive exterior creates a subtle and positive first impression while setting the stage for a successful viewing. If the buyer continues to be impressed with the inside of the home, they’re much more likely to make an offer.
The opposite is true if they find the outside of your home off-putting. It will be tough to recapture the magic, even if everything inside sparkles and shines. Fortunately, beautiful curb appeal does not have to be time-consuming or expensive. Often, it’s actually better to keep it simple.
Looking for even more ideas to make your house stand out in today’s market? The posts below will give you some inspiration:
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Practical Steps to a Stunning Exterior
Start by identifying your goals and reason for sprucing up the outside. If you have no intention of selling for the next few years, you are free to decorate and landscape as you choose.
If a sale is coming up for your near future, you’ll want to keep your buyers’ interests front and centre. Fortunately, there is some overlap between what you want and what helps your house sell. The following tips can help create a home exterior you can be proud of, whether you plan to sell or stay.
- Focus on cleanliness and maintenance. Simply pulling out any weeds, mowing the lawn, and removing any debris will go a long way to improving the aesthetic of your home. For added points, consider renting a power washer for your walkways, front door, and siding.
- Consider planting a tree if your lot is large enough. This will provide privacy, shade, and beauty, all of which further enhance the enjoyment of your yard.
- Be sure to inspect your fence and repair any damage. Even if the neighbours are friendly and personable, everyone wants their own space where they can relax and unwind. Privacy makes for great neighbours!
- The strategic use of lighting can make your outdoor spaces come alive at night! Solar lights aren’t just inexpensive; they’re beautiful and can even make it safer to get in and out of your home.
- Colourful gardens add beauty and fragrance without being over the top. Even if your buyer decides on different flowers and plants, having a garden on display showcases the potential.
Once the stage is set, it’s time for some final touches. Consider emphasizing your outdoor space by adding some comfortable and attractive furniture. This creates a warm and inviting atmosphere that residents and visitors alike are sure to love. If a buyer can imagine hosting BBQs and backyard parties, your house is as good as sold!
Do you want more ideas on preparing your home for sale without blowing your budget? Our Toronto real estate experts are happy to guide you. Reach out to us at erica@ericareddy.com or call 416.443.0300 to learn more.
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