The exterior of your Johnston County home is the first thing that people notice when they view your property online or during their in-person showing. A well-maintained exterior can make a big difference in how your home looks and feels to your potential buyer. Updating your home’s exterior doesn’t have to be a complicated or expensive process. By utilizing professional power washing and spring planting, you can give your Johnston County home a fresh and new look before hitting the spring market.
Pro Tip #1 – Power Washing
Power washing is an effective way to remove dirt, grime, and other buildup from the exterior of your home. It is a quick and easy way to give your home a facelift without the need for major renovations or repairs. Power washing can be done on a variety of surfaces, including:
- concrete (newer concrete requires extra precautions to prevent pitting)
- vinyl siding
- brick
- stucco
- wood
Hiring the right professional is important as they are equipped with the equipment and tools to ensure your home is thoroughly washed from top to bottom. We also recommend a gutter clean while they are power washing those hard to reach spots.
*We recommend Carolina Extreme Power Wash of Clayton for all your power wash needs as they have served so many of our clients successfully before listing their homes to sell. Contact Carolina Extreme Power Wash and mention “JSP Newsletter” to receive $20 off in the month of March.
Pro Tip #2 – Planting
Planting is another easy and cost-effective way to update your home’s exterior. Plants can add color, texture, and visual interest to your property. There are a variety of plants that are well-suited for different climates and growing conditions. Some popular choices for exterior landscaping include:
- Shrubs: Shrubs are a great way to add depth and dimension to your landscaping. They come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors, and can be used to create a natural barrier around your home.
- Flowers: Flowers are a classic choice for exterior landscaping. They add pops of color and can be used to create a welcoming and inviting entrance to your home.
- Trees: Trees are a long-term investment in your property’s landscaping. They provide shade and can help improve your home’s energy efficiency.
When planting, consider the size and growth habits of the plants you choose. Make sure they are well-suited for the location and conditions in which they will be planted. Be sure to also consider the maintenance requirements of the plants, as some may require more care than others.
When purchasing your landscaping supplies, consider a local nursery or hardware store in your area. Our team recommends Lee’s Produce of Clayton and Hudson’s Hardware of Clayton for their amazing variety of shrubs, plants and trees for your spring spruce-up!
Pro Tip #3 – Pre-listing Home Inspection
Selling a home can be a stressful and overwhelming process, especially when it comes to preparing your home for potential buyers. One important step that many homeowners overlook is getting a pre-listing home inspection. A pre-listing inspection can help identify any issues with your home before it goes on the market, giving you the opportunity to address them and increase your home’s value. The ultimate benefit buyers realize is peace of mind.
Just remember, it’s important to remember that not all home inspectors are created equal, and it’s important to inspect what you are expecting before you hire an inspector.
What is a Pre-Listing Home Inspection?
A pre-listing home inspection is a thorough evaluation of your home’s condition, including the major systems, such as the electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems, as well as the roof, foundation, and other structural components. The purpose of the inspection is to identify any potential issues or defects that could affect the value of your home or deter potential buyers. By getting a pre-listing inspection, you can address any issues before putting your home on the market, which can help you avoid surprises and potentially costly negotiations during the sale process.
When considering a pre-listing home inspection, it’s important to remember that not all home inspectors are created equal. Here are some tips when hiring a home inspector:
- Check their Credentials: Make sure the home inspector is licensed and certified in your state. They should have completed an accredited home inspection training program and be a member of a professional organization, such as the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI).
- Review their Sample Reports: Ask the home inspector for a sample inspection report, and review it to ensure it’s thorough and easy to understand. The report should include detailed descriptions of any issues, including photographs and recommendations for repairs.
- Ask for References: Request references from previous clients, and follow up with them to get an idea of their experience working with the home inspector. This can give you a better understanding of the inspector’s professionalism, expertise, and communication skills.
- Ask Questions: During the inspection, ask the home inspector questions about their findings, and make sure they explain any issues in detail. If you don’t understand something, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification.
Here are our Jaclyn Smith Properties preferred home inspectors and their contact information:
- Housemaster – Joe Welch – (919) 573-8360
- Top 2 Bottom – Talton Earp – (919) 631-1805
- ClearChoice Home Inspections – Jayme Clark – (919) 271-0402
- New Leaf Home Inspections – Blaine – (336) 262-0778
- Pillar to Post – Mike Bergmann – (919) 961-4866
- AQI – Randy Berry – (919) 607-0288
Ready to Discuss Listing Your JoCo Home?
Contact our team today at 919-813-0123 to meet with one of our local Johnston County real estate professionals who will walk you through preparing your home for the spring real estate market!