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This article is part of a paid Content Partnership with the advertiser, Houlihan & O'Malley Real Estate Services. Daily Voice has no involvement in the writing of the article and the statements and opinions contained in it are solely those of the advertiser.

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Simple Tips To Make Your Home More Appealing to Homebuyers

BRONXVILLE, NY – With the horrible winter weather finally behind us and the “pollen tsunami” beginning to subside, now is the perfect time to turn attention to your house. This spring, why not give it some extra curb appeal? "The goal is to make the home’s exterior look crisp and clean and help it stand out, thus increasing your chances of enticing potential buyers to want to take a peak inside," says Joe Houlihan, managing partner of Houlihan & O'Malley Real Estate Services in Bronxville, NY.

Front entrance of a Bronxville home currently on the market with Houlihan & O'Malley.

Front entrance of a Bronxville home currently on the market with Houlihan & O'Malley.

Photo Credit: Contributed

Following are some helpful hints from Houlihan to get the ball rolling on sprucing up your home's curb appeal:

  1. Get the dirt, moss, and cobwebs off your home’s exterior by using a power washer or a regular hose with a power washing attachment.   And, while you’re at it, clean off your outdoor lawn furniture.

  2. Wash your windows. A hose with a window washing attachment can get windows shiny and clean. And remember to clean inside windows, too, for the most sparkle. Don’t want to do it yourself? Get references and hire a professional window washer.

  3. Clean and polish the outdoor fixtures, especially the knocker on the front door and entryway lighting.  "Metal polishes do a great job in making your hardware gleam," says Houlihan.

  4. You might not realize it, but the roof plays an important role in curb appeal. Is your roof missing any shingles? Is it dingy and streaked? If so, a good cleaning or, if necessary, new roofing will go a long way toward improving your home's desirability. 

  5. Fix stone walkways and retaining walls as well as the Belgian blocks lining your driveway that were ruined by winter snow, road salt, or careless plowing.  The best way to find a top-notch mason is to check with colleagues and friends to see whom they recommend or ask your Realtor for a referral, as he/she often keeps lists of trusted vendors handy.

  6. Clean out garden beds and top them with natural mulch, which will help the soil retain moisture and give the beds a neat look. You may also need to reseed or add sod to areas of your lawn that are a bit bald.

  7. Plant annuals and perennials, along with an array of vegetables, to create an inviting setting where potential homebuyers can imagine living. In addition, position pots of flowers on the front and back porches/decks to add more color. And, even though you can’t see it, fragrance can have a big impact on a person’s experience when walking up to your house. Houilhan says, "Consider sweet-scented roses, lilacs, honeysuckle, and jasmine or fresh herbs, like rosemary and lavender to line the front walk."

  8. If your driveway has taken a beating or simply does not match the style of your home, it could be dragging down your home’s curb appeal. So, repave or repair cracks in the blacktop or consider other possibilities, such as adding brick, masonry or stained concrete, which can all make for beautiful, durable driveways.

"It's amazing how a few small touches, such as colorful plants, sparkling windows and fixtures, and a freshly paved driveway, can add the curb appeal you need," says Houlihan. "These minor enhancements will prove to be well worth the money, time and energy invested when it comes time to selling your home."

About Houlihan & O'Malley

The Residential Sales Group at Houlihan & O'Malley is a boutique agency dedicated to offering clients inspired service, unwavering focus, and a commitment to real estate excellence. At Houlihan & O’Malley, agents who are knowledgeable, involved, and dedicated treat clients to an exceptional level of service. The Residential Sales Group appreciates the needs and time constraints of its clients and constantly strives to embody the company’s motto of "Excellence on Your Side."

There are currently nine agents working in the Residential Real Estate Sales Group. Together they represent the best combination of dedicated service and real estate skill. Individually, the agents have received numerous awards from the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors  (HGAR) for outstanding sales, which, when combined, total over $300 million. All Houlihan & O’Malley salespersons are members HGAR, the New York State Association of Realtors, and the National Association of Realtors. Managing Partner Joe Houlihan is proud to have been a member of the Board of Directors of the Hudson Gateway Multiple Listing Service.

This article is part of a paid Content Partnership with the advertiser, Houlihan & O'Malley Real Estate Services. Daily Voice has no involvement in the writing of the article and the statements and opinions contained in it are solely those of the advertiser.

To learn more about Content Partnerships, click here.

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