Curb Appeal Tips to Take You from Graduation Party to Selling

It’s graduation season in the Twin Cities, and if your schedule’s anything like mine, your calendar is filled with backyard grad parties. Many parents will watch their youngest child cross the graduation stage this year. Lots of them may be thinking about selling the family home to downsize into a smaller abode.

Prepping your home for sale in the late spring can do double duty if you’re hoping to sell this summer. Once you get your home and yard ready for your grad party, all you’ll need to do is maintain the changes until you’re under contract. Investing a little money on curb appeal can help you sell your home faster and in some cases increase its value (not to mention make it a nicer place to celebrate!).

To get started, think about repairs and upgrades that will make your home easy to find and inviting for your grad party guests. These changes will also attract buyers to your home. Here’s a list of my favorite grad party and curb appeal to-dos:

• Upgrade to easy-to-read house numbers
• Light your entryway and walkways
• Repair or replace deteriorating walkways and driveways
• Mow your lawn
• Weed and mulch your garden beds
• Power wash your deck
• Add colorful container plants to your doorstep and patio
• Update your door mat
• Clear your yard clutter, including toys, hoses, and deteriorating lawn furniture

These changes will help your grad party guests feel welcome and comfortable and get you 90 percent of the way to sprucing up your home for sale. For some sellers, I recommend one or more of the following changes to take their curb appeal to the next level:

• Repaint peeling trim
• Tone down loud house colors or quirky lawn art
• Refresh tired or broken outdoor light fixtures
• Upgrade your garage doors, especially if they face the street

With these changes and upgrades, your home will be ready to welcome grad party guests and potential buyers alike. For more curb appeal tips or a free comparative market analysis, email Trent Shipley at Keller Williams Realty Integrity NW or call 612-310-4770 today.