RSS

Fix n Flip or Hold. A Great list of Do’s and Don’ts Part 2 of 5

Curb Appeal and Yard


  


  • Buyers first impressions are critical. They may not want see inside of house if curb appeal is a turn-off. Mow that lawn, weed, a few new carefully chosen bushes. Garden beds can pop with some new natural or brown mulch. (about $45) Paint that front door. Don’t underestimate the power of Curb Appeal.
  • Study the house from the street. What should stay and what should go. If stucco needs repair, consider painting afterward. New warm colors can make the home look so inviting. Steps and railings should be top notch.
  • Paint is the cheapest option with most return on dollars spent. C-Think twice before painting old 50’s “Rockdash” stucco. Pull the colors out of it for trim. Difficult to repair, but here’s a trick. With tarp in place, straw broom the wall. What falls off can be used to surface wet spots repaired with mortar. 80’s stucco typically had color pigment mixed in before application. Relatively easy to repair and re-paint.
    Damaged areas can also be repaired with contrasting materials. E.g. slate, river rock,
  • Colors: Your choice of Paint Store can provide color guides that are most current and popular. Avoid making a statement with strong colors on exterior walls. This can put off buyers.
  • 2 to 3 (max) graduated colors for trim.
  • Front door should be the focal point. This is where a strong unique color can work. E.g. The classic deep red that stands out. Most doors can be refurbished. Replace only if necessary. Do replace taddy old hardware. Garage door should not be a focal point. Clean up your paths, pressure washing older concrete or front steps can bring back to life.
  • Trim color should be consistent. Off White typically works well, C-Black or Cavern Blue can work as more contemporary.
  • C-Gutters: no matter how old and gungy will usually clean up well with soft brush and soap. If you have to replace, Black has become equally popular to white. Black gutters with black soffits can really give a distinguished or rich look.
  • Other elements such as pots and hanging baskets with seasonal blooming plants are easy to do and can make your entrance pop. In season you can find planters at Costco for about $30. Add a blooming shrub and “Bob’s your Uncle” Quite economical.
  • C-Verticle beams: Is the overhang supported by 4x4 posts? Replace with beefy 6x6’s to give that “Oomph” to façade.

 Backyard

 

  • Back yard is not as critical. But clean up/remove all debris, clutter, old wood.
  • Repair or spruce up existing deck or back door landing. C-On one project, there was a front and side door, but no direct access to rear yard. We replaced a window with a back door. We imagined a landing with low maintenance brick patio. 
   
 

Next: Part 3 General Tips

 

Original concept by Denise Andison C.K.D./C.B.D. Co-founder Victoria Real Estate Investment Club. Started flipping homes in 2004 and has remodeled multiple properties for flipping or holding since then.  C-CliffNotes added by Cliff Wettlaufer, Victoria Real Estate Agent and passionate Renovator. Thank you for sharing Denise!


Comments:

No comments

Post Your Comment:

Your email will not be published
MLS® property information is provided under copyright© by the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board and Victoria Real Estate Board. The information is from sources deemed reliable, but should not be relied upon without independent verification.