Today, Philly Homes for Sale have Two Levels of “Curb Appeal”
The way the ‘curb appeal’ phenomenon applies to a Philadelphia home for sale is explained simply
enough. Like the packaging on a store shelf item, its mission is to break through the
competition—to strike a responsive chord with potential buyers.
That is the goal, but no Philadelphia home that’s up for sale can possibly ‘bat a thousand’ when it
comes to curb appeal, since buyers start out with differing mental images of what constitutes an
ideal home. For some, it’s a well-kept colonial; for others, a clean-lined contemporary. Today,
most house hunting begins with the online local listings. Each offering is introduced via its
exterior glamor shot…making it possible to form quick impressions of the whole gamut of
properties for sale in town. Those pictures comprise today’s first pass at curb appeal—the
photographic kind. For homes that pass that first hurdle, the next test is the three-dimensional,
pull-up-to-the-curb experience. Making the most of that first impression can shape all that
ensues.
A survey of hundreds of landscaping and photography “tips” for maximizing curb appeal
for the most part confirms what common sense would tell us anyway: cut the grass; plant more
flowers or shrubbery; keep everything neat and clean…and one even recommended “planting
more shade trees—certainly the least practical ‘tip’!
Of course, as showings become imminent, every homeowner will hose off the walkway,
sweep the porch, broom out the cobwebs. But before that stage—before the listing photography
is done, it’s a worthwhile exercise to step back and take in the overall impression that first-time
visitors are going to get. Step out front—then take the same walk your visitors will be making,
but seeing it the way they will.
If the siding isn’t really fresh-looking, it’s worth considering whether a professional power
wash or exterior paint touchup might make a substantial improvement. Getting rid of even traces
of grime can subtly turn an ‘okay’ impression into a strongly positive one. A fresh doormat is a
simple addition; likewise, scouring or replacing tarnished or pitted hardware (like address
numerals, doorknobs, locks and door knockers) can subtly transform many a first impression.
When you allow yourself to abandon your everyday perspective, fresh ideas and energy
have a way of materializing.