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SiG MT 92 SIGNATUREMT'S REALTOR TIPS Home sellers know that a tidy, tasteful home will catch any buyer's eye. at's why many people put effort into fixing up (even staging) the interior of their home before puing it on the market and hosting open houses. But did you know that an unkept exterior could deter potential buyers from even seing foot in the door? at's right. A shoddy-looking front yard could undermine all that hard work you put into beautifying the inside of your home, and that could jeopardize your chances of selling. "You only get one chance to make a first impression, and it happens when a potential buyer sees the exterior of your home," says Kate Rumson, interior designer. "We all tend to form opinions in the first few seconds of seeing a home for the first time—make those seconds count!" Don't let your home's exterior fall to the wayside. Whether your front yard needs a few tweaks or a full face-li, the following tips will help boost your home's curb appeal and make sure everything matches. Replace Your Garage Door Garage doors tend to be large, so they're a major architectural element of your home. Replacing one can be costly, but this one upgrade could help sell your house faster. According to Remodeling magazine's annual Cost vs. Value report, garage door replacement has consistently topped the list of remodeling projects that give the biggest return on investment. In fact, this year's report found that by replacing garage doors, you can recoup 94.5% of the cost when selling your home. "Old or damaged garage doors make a house feel dated and not cared for. If garage doors are in poor condition, replace them," says Rumson. "Don't let potential buyers think that the damaged garage doors represent the rest of the home's condition." As for the cost, garage door replacement can range from $600 to $2,750, according to HomeAdvisor. Do a Front Door Audit e first thing potential buyers see as they walk up to your home is your front door. e door can give house hunters a hint of your design sense and what decor delights await them on the other side. Ted Roberts, chief style and design expert at Schlage, says to consider the color and materials of both the inside and outside of your door. He says the hardware on a door is also important to the overall aesthetic and that door hardware should be updated to create a unified statement throughout your property. "Updating your front door can do wonders for your security and style. If your door hardware is showing signs of age, this fall could be the perfect time to upgrade to a new handle set and an electronic lock that adds smart, keyless convenience," says Roberts. Refresh Your Landscape e American Society of Landscape Architects recommends that homeowners invest 10% of a home's value in landscaping. A well- manicured front yard can be eye candy to potential buyers. Professional landscaping can be pricey, but we're not suggesting a full foliage overhaul. Simply take a few hours on a weekend to freshen up your existing landscaping with plants and fresh mulch. Over 75% of top real estate agents nationwide say that well-landscaped homes are worth anywhere from 1% to 10% more than homes without landscaping, according to research at HomeLight. Install outdoor Lighting "Outdoor lighting is important for safety, but it can also significantly improve the curb appeal of a home," says Rumson. ere are a variety of outdoor lighting options, from decorative lighting (like sconces by your front door) to landscape lighting (to illuminate the pathway to your porch). "It's an easy update," says Rumson. "You will find many beautiful options and styles at your local home improvement store." Light up your home's exterior walkway with a set of 10 solar-powered, black LED outdoor lights) or a lantern sconce. Modest Front-Yard Updates Home Sellers Should Never Forget Bruev /Gey Images Photo by Spivey Architects, Inc. TEXT BY ANA DURRANI

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