Curb appeal! The #1 item for quick home sales

A survey of almost 500 real estate agents commissioned by JELD-WEN Windows & Doors indicates the increasing importance of curb appeal in selling a home.

According to the Real Estate Agent Community Trends survey, 82 percent of practitioners polled said buyers unimpressed with a home's exterior will not want to look inside. The results also found that 90 percent of respondents said a sale depends on first impressions of the front entry, while 91 percent said the home's exterior is just as important as what is inside.

Additionally, 75 percent of those surveyed said natural light is important; while the appearance of windows and doors and the presence of energy-efficient products were mentioned by 71 percent and 63 percent, respectively. Universal design features are gaining in popularity as well, according to 65 percent of agents.

Source: Building Online (03/18/08)