Whether you believe speed dating revolutionized the dating industry or not, you probably buy into the underlying premise - that first impressions are the key to deciding whether you want to get better acquainted. Selling your home is a bit the same. You put a for sale sign on your lawn, and people drive by to see if the exterior is appealing enough for them to take the time to view the interior. You see the point, whether its speed dating or selling your home, success lies in the presentation. Most of us wouldn’t dream of facing a roomful of dating competition without looking our absolute best. It‘s a shame not to apply that same thinking to selling your home. After all, your home is likely your largest financial asset, and this is your best chance to maximize your return on that investment.

In real estate standing out from the competition starts with curb appeal. If you are having trouble understanding what constitutes curb appeal, take a drive around neighbourhoods in your approximate price range. Take note of which homes stand out and why. Generally what you’re looking for is a well maintained home, with the lawns, trees, shrubs and flowerbeds in good condition. Also notice what first catches your eye about the home, that’s called the focal point. Usually people choose to create a focal point around the front entrance. Notice which front entrances are most appealing, and what makes them so. Now drive home, park across the street from your home and look at it as if you were a buyer. Is your first impression positive? What are the pluses, what are the minuses? Have a friend look at your home, what do they think? Sometimes you may have to spend money to increase your home’s curb appeal, sometimes it may just be a matter of a little elbow grease.

Larry Hann is a St. John's, Newfoundland based realtor who believes professionally staged homes sell quicker and for more money. Home staging is one of the many marketing tools he uses when selling St. John's real estate.