Real Estate News & Views

Curb Appeal conveys pride of ownership

by Jackie Scheller

Buying a home is just the first step in a future of “adulting.” Most likely you chose, or will choose, to buy a house or rent in an area you think of as appealing. “Curb appeal” is the number one thing buyers notice. Price comes in at a distant second place.

Home values depend heavily upon the entire community maintaining their residences. All municipalities, towns, villages, and cities have ordinances (aka: rules) to help maintain a consistent image for that community. However, many people have no idea what their responsibilities are until they receive a warning letter that notifies them they are out of compliance. Enforcement is up to the governing entity and varies greatly from community to community.

As a Realtor® who has helped with many first-time homeowner purchases, I know the process can be overwhelming. Realtors, parents and mentors, and those who have experience can be a great resource for new homeowners. Remember the days of stopping by with baked goods and a welcome card? If you’re a neighbor to someone new, open communication with them may help them to reach out with questions, which could later assist them in avoiding a citation and having to learn the hard way about what is required.

Established residents may become more lax over time, or they may age-out of the ability to keep up their home/property. Once again, communication can be key. A few creative ideas can invigorate some homeowners and remind them to keep up curb appeal. For example, garden contests can inspire existing homeowners to take a fresh look at their yard. The results can boast some truly beautiful gardens and invite others to see the dedication and hard work of many community members. Holiday decorating contests also provide a glimpse into the personalities of different property owners.

Living in a small community can be wonderful. Maintaining property values is essential! Rules regarding unregistered vehicles, parking on lawns, grass mowing, deferred home maintenance, unapproved fence height/location, sidewalk maintenance, front-yard requirements, and more can lead to ticketing citations in most communities. Make a call or look up your specific ordinances if you have questions. If you ever plan to sell your home, make a plan to get caught up on your home and yard maintenance now.

Simply put, you can improve the value of others’ homes by improving your own. Potential buyers like to see clean windows, well-hung blinds or drapes, mowed lawns, weeded flower beds, trimmed hedges and trees, fresh driveway sealing, and a welcoming entry area. Fresh paint is a bonus, especially when the trim is painted.

Congratulations on being a homeowner! Your dedication can be seen daily and is appreciated by your community.

Curb appeal is the number one thing homebuyers notice, even ahead of price, which ranks a distant second. Image credit: Ian MacDonald at unsplash.com

Jackie Scheller is a licensed Realtor/real estate broker, local business owner, entrepreneur, and retired business teacher. She holds a master’s degree in education from Wayne State and a bachelor of arts from Eastern Michigan University.