Expert: Hans Weber, Licensed Broker Associate - 11/16/2004

Question
Hello, i am doing a research paper for my graduation project, and i need some help

How much importance is placed on curb appeal?
How big of a range can curba appeal produce?
What do buyers look for, in terms of curb appeal?


Thanl you for your time and i hope i dont bother you.

Answer
Dear Levi Cepak,

Thank you for your questions.

Curb appeal is probably the second most important feature of a property after location (#1).

Houses are displayed in advertising, print and internet with photos.  If the photos (curb appeal) are bad buyers may not even ask to see the property.  Of course a house in disrepair may have good curb appeal from a distance in a photo, but at least the buyer may be interested in viewing the house in person.  Then upon closer inspection the buyer may not like the house.  
Actual curb appeal from the street is very important and and sets the tone for the rest of the viewing of the house.  If the yard is a mess and the paint is peeling and a window is broken then the buyer thinks what else is wrong inside?  Conversely, a beautiful yard with flowers and new paint or siding will help the buyer overlook possible interior problems by setting a positive tone to the first glance. Compare it to a first date, you open the front door and your date has dirty clothes, messy hair and food in their teeth?  What next?

Can we put a value range on curb appeal?  I would say good curb appeal would add value by making a property  more appealling to more buyers and thereby increasing the pool of buyers making the opportunity for the highest paying buyer to be included in the pool.

On the other hand sometimes a house in disrepair with good curb appeal will sell for an amazing price too.  Some buyers can see beyond the disrepair and want to renovate the home to their own special tastes.

I hope this is what you needed to hear.

Hans