Exterior Home Remodeling Tips for Sellers

When most homeowners decide to sell, they usually start with the interior, eg, painting, cleaning and clearing out clutter. However, your home’s exterior is the first thing potential buyers see. It’s what draws buyers in.

Following are some exterior home remodeling tips that can help you sell faster - and for the most money - in any market.

• Start at the Top: When was the last time you had your home’s roof checked? Even if it’s in good condition, a few warped shingles or discolored tiles can give the opposite impression. Every type of climate leaves its mark on a roof, so it pays to have warped shingles and discolored tiles replaced. A roof replacement is a major expense. So if potential buyers (especially first-time homebuyers) even think that there’s something wrong with your roof, they may decline to make an offer.

• Paint: Taking the time to focus on exterior wall painting can add thousands to your home’s resale value; it can make your house look brand new. And, this is what catches the eye of potential buyers.

• The Driveway: This should be as clean and free of oil stains - and any other type of stain - as possible. Pressure wash it. If that doesn’t clean away most of the stains, consider getting concrete stain (if that’s what your driveway is made of) and staining the whole thing. If your driveway is made out of brick or some other stone, make sure they’re smooth and level, not cracked and bumpy (which can cause accidents).

• Landscaping: Any real estate expert will tell you that this must be immaculate. Trim bushes and hedges, de-weed overgrown flower beds and cut the grass, at a minimum. Contractors providing landscaping and lawn services can make your home look as beautiful on the outside as it is on the inside.

While many exterior home remodeling projects can be tackled by you, when it comes to things like painting the entire exterior, checking and repairing your roof, or retiling your driveway, consult a professional contractor. It’s money well spent when trying to sell your home, for it can help you sell quicker and for more money.