Stage Right

The spring market starts now, so we asked three Fairfield real estate pros—Melanie Smith, Julie Vanderblue, and Denise Walsh—to provide pointers on upping a home’s curb appeal.

Face Facts: All three of our pros mentioned the home’s facade and its surroundings. Smith advises pruning or replacing overgrown trees and shrubs, which can hide your home’s best features. Trim, manicure, weed, plant, mulch, and power wash are the action verbs on Walsh’s list of must-dos, in addition to front door repainting, hardware-polishing, and even door replacement if the existing one is not in prime condition. Vanderblue notes that staging techniques, so popular for interiors, can be used corner-to-corner on a property. She mentions little details that should not be overlooked: mailbox, gutters, and even the welcome mat. “There’s never a second chance to make a first impression,” she says.

Inner Beauty: On the inside, clean and uncluttered rooms make the best impression, as do neutral or soft colors. “Every drop of paint is worth every penny it costs,” says Melanie Smith. “Cover chipped trim work. If an old leak stained the ceiling below, paint the entire ceiling. And have all the windows washed.”

The professionals advise removing items that are showing their age, including wallpaper and fussy window treatments. “Picture a great designer dress with $15 heels,” says Walsh. “Outdated furnishings can devalue spaces that are otherwise appealing.”

Review: Finally, do some sleuthing to get ideas. Julie advises sellers to check out their competition. “Attending public open houses for properties in your price range enables you to look at your own home with new eyes, seeing it from the perspective of a critical buyer.”

These three pros, who have decades of experience among them, recommend that sellers start early and work closely with a chosen agent to prep their property in the most value-enhancing and cost-effective ways. Once the property has been readied, the agent can put the technical tools of today’s house hunters—photography, videography, virtual tours—into play.

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