First Impressions: Sprucing Up Driveways and Walkways
When selling your home, don’t forget that the very first thing a potential buyer will see is your driveway or walkway. Be sure to make a great first impression by ensuring these important areas of your home are up to par! Maximize “curb appeal” by keeping your front lawn mowed, and driveway and walkway clean and free of cracks. You may even want to add some colorful flowers or shrubs to attract potential buyers.
“A well-built, well-maintained asphalt driveway adds curb appeal to your house,” explains Steve Fradianni of M&S Paving and Sealing Inc., in Danbury, Conn. “It’s the first impression of your home that people see and it should look as good as it could. Asphalt driveways are easy to keep free of snow and ice in the winter and relatively dirt-free in the summer. They are economical, durable and long lasting, and they are easy to maintain.”
Once potential buyers leave their car to head to the front door, the walkway begins to play an important role. That’s why it’s vital to make sure both the driveway and walkway are in tip-top shape.
Do a thorough inspection of both the driveway and walkway and repair any cracks you see. If you have the time and money, you may want to consider getting the driveway repaved as this will go a long way toward creating a positive first impression. Cracks in the walkway should be repaired with concrete paint. This can usually be done in a few hours and is a relatively inexpensive fix.
In addition to making necessary repairs, make sure there are no toys, acorns, leaves or gardening equipment blocking someone’s path to the front door. Potential buyers shouldn’t have to maneuver through an obstacle course to reach the front door. Driveways should also be free of clutter and debris.
Once the walkway is clear, make sure that no grass or weeds are growing in the cracks. Spend the time necessary to create a perfect walk to the entrance of your home.
If you have garbage cans that typically sit at the end of your driveway, you should get them out of sight—even if they’re clean—before people come to look at your home. The same holds true for hoses. Take the time to put them away neatly as they could inadvertently trip someone. Old, tangled hoses may also conjure negative thoughts among prospective buyers.
You should also be mindful of where your cars are parked. If someone comes to see your house and there are two or three cars taking up the driveway and they are forced to park on the street, you may be starting things off on the wrong foot. Move your cars to the street so that prospective buyers feel as if they are pulling into the driveway of their future home.
For more information about upping your curb appeal, contact me today!