Now that the
spring season is upon us, fix and flip investors are hard at work getting their properties ready. When getting a flip market ready, many sellers will focus all their energy on the inside of the home despite the crucial role curb appeal plays in attracting potential homebuyers. First impressions matter whether online or in person, and curb appeal is one of the most important aspects that can determine how fast your flip sells. When improving the curb appeal of your flip it’s helpful to think like a buyer. Take a walk around your property and take notes on what may turn off a potential buyer from your property and then address those items. By improving your curb appeal not only are you attracting more people to your property, but you are also improving the overall value of the home.
Here are 3 simple tips to improve your properties curb appeal:
- Clean & Repair
Give your property a nice bath. Wash the windows, garage doors, and power wash the deck, driveway, and siding. If you don’t own a pressure washer, many home improvement stores will let you rent one for the day. After you’ve given the home a nice scrub, you’ll be able to see if any trim, siding, gutters, or doors need repainting or replacing.
- Landscaping
This can be as simple as walking around the yard picking up sticks and dead foliage, trimming trees, weeding gardens and mowing the lawn. It may also be beneficial to plant a few inexpensive shrubs and flowers to fill in empty spaces and to add color to the yard. Also be aware of the budget, as you don’t want to overspend on landscaping, however, little touches will go a long way in attracting potential buyers.
- Finishing Touches
Check the light fixtures around the home to see if they need to be replaced or updated. Even though most home visits will happen during the day, having attractive light fixtures won’t go unnoticed by the homebuyers. Also, don’t forget about the mailbox. It’s going to be one of the first items people will notice about the property since it has the house number on it. If the mailbox is still in good shape replacing the house numbers so they are clean and visible can be a simple and easy fix. If the mailbox is dented, broken and falling off its post, it may be best to replace it. This won’t be a costly fix though, mailboxes are sold for as little as $20 at a local Home Depot. Homes with high curb appeal usually list at a higher price points and take less time to sell. A quick flip with a return on the investment means you can go out and find another project to work on.
As a direct private lender, RCN Capital is here to help you fund your next fix and flip or fix and lease property. Our experienced loan officers and in-house underwriting help the process run smoothly and quickly.
Do you have any other tips to increase your flips curb appeal?
Leave a comment below and let us know what you think!