How Much Does It Cost to Replace Missing Shingles?
If you notice that your roof is missing shingles, it's important to have them replaced as soon as possible.
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We all know that first impressions count, and that’s never more true than when you’re selling your house. Potential buyers form an opinion of a property within the first few seconds, usually before they even step through the door. That’s why it’s important to make sure your listing is looking its best both inside and out.
Taking the time to maximize curb appeal can go a long way in securing a sale. Not only that, but it can even help get a better price. According to the Journal of Real Estate Finance and Economics, a house with higher curb appeal will sell for anywhere between 7% to 14% more. If that’s not motivation, we don’t know what is!
Luckily, it doesn’t take too much effort to bring a property up to scratch. Here are 5 simple ways your seller can boost their home’s curb appeal.
This may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how often sellers forgo a simple cleaning. When selling a home, so much of the focus is on the inside that the front door and driveway can easily be forgotten. But a good clean and declutter can have a transformative effect on the look of the exterior.
The first step is to clear any unnecessary items that have found their way out-front. This could be smaller things like toys, gardening materials, and out-of-season decor, but it can also include large items like non-working vehicles. If you have somewhere else you can store your trash bins, make sure to move those too.
Once the clutter is gone, it’s time to get things sparkling clean. A power washer can work magic to remove grime from driveways and porches and be bought (or even rented) for a reasonably low price. Then, you’ll want to tackle the windows and front door to get everything pristine. We personally recommend Aqua Force for all of your power washing needs.
A clean and tidy exterior creates a great first impression, showing any potential buyers straight away that it is well-loved and maintained.
A yard is often a big selling point for buyers and can significantly impact the overall curb appeal. Fortunately, even if you weren’t blessed with a green thumb, it’s easy enough to restore your garden to its former glory.
Cutting the grass and raking away any leaves will make your yard look instantly neater. Any shrubs and bushes should be cut back (especially those obscuring your windows), and overgrown trees should be given the chop.
If you have the opposite problem and your yard lacks greenery, planting some bright flowers or adding a small herb box can make a world of difference. A bit of color brightens up any space and can be a real mood booster for any potential buyers.
Any buyer will be wary of structural problems with a home, and a poorly maintained roof can be a big red flag that can be enough to put them off. It’s best tot ackle this before you even begin the viewing process. If a buyer notices any issues, it can bring up other concerns and delay the inspection process.
Any significant issues should naturally be fixed, and take a good look for any damage to shingles or gutters. When you see something every day, gradual problems can be hard to spot, so try and look at it with fresh eyes and put yourself in a buyer’s shoes.
Often, homeowner's insurance can help with the cost to repair or replace a roof, so be sure to check your policy if you do need to take any action. If it comes down to completely replacing it, don’t worry too much about the cost. A new roof with a solid warranty can add significant value to a home, so chances are it will be a worthy investment.
Adding a fresh coat of paint to a home’s exterior is another excellent way to make a house feel well-maintained and even slash years off its perceived age. If you don’t want to spring for painting the entire home, even repainting the front door and shutters or rod iron accents you may have is also very effective.
One thing to bear in mind is that specific colors work better than others for selling your home. You may love your bright violet front door, but unfortunately, not every potential buyer will agree. A nice, neutral colorworks for everyone and helps them imagine the property as a blank slate that they can put their stamp on.
As the saying goes, the devil is in the details, so once you’ve followed all these steps, it’s time to take one final look. Is there a tear in your screen door? A cracked tile on your driveway? These slight imperfections may seem insignificant, but they all work together to create an overall impression of your home.
It may even help to have someone else, like a friend or a neighbor, come and see for themselves. You get used to the way your property looks, so they may be able to point out things you hadn’t noticed. After you’ve addressed those finishing touches, you can rest easy knowing your home will make a fantastic first impression.
These are just a few suggestions you can make to your client as you guide them through selling their home. By going that extra mile, you can help them sell faster, achieve a higher price and give actual value through your service. The result is another sale on your books and two families happy with their dream homes.
If you’d like more information on receiving a free estimate for roof repairs or replacement, we would love to hear from you.
Before attempting repairs or replacement of your old roof; call Defense Home & Roofing and let us handle the grunt work all the while protecting and enhancing the investments you have already made in your home.
