Curb Appeal Matters
Having been a Real Estate Broker for 20+ years, I know that curb appeal matters. A rundown looking property detracts buyers. A property that has an inviting and welcoming smile on its face aka fresh coat of paint, enhanced and tidy landscaping, and clean appearance causes buyers to want to know more about that property. First impressions matter.
The term “curb appeal” comes from real estate sales and home design. Buyers form first impressions of homes while standing in the street or sitting inside the car, just beyond the curb. The initial drive-by often determines if buyers want to see what’s inside.
In February, I sold my Frisco home within two days, thanks to my real estate agent, my grandson. And, thanks to my knowing what curb appeal means for a quick sale. I hired yard landscapers to clean up the yard. I hired a professional window cleaning service to clean all the windows and screens. Leaves were still blowing into my front porch so, daily, I would take my leaf blower out to spruce up the area. I touched up little knicks on the wood with putty and paint. I knew if my home didn’t project appeal from the curb, buyers would move on.
Maybe this blog will help you market your home someday, but foremost, I want to impress upon all of us the importance of OUR “curb” appeal. What is it about us that draws people to us or detracts them away from us? Is our disposition grumpy, cranky, dismal, sarcastic, and negative? Is our attitude “cloudy” and “glass half empty”? Does our appearance look like we could care less about what others think about us? Or does the bright light in us project a sunny, “glass half full”, optimistic, and positive attitude? And, “I want to get to know you better” attitude in others?
What is that “first impression” others get of us? If we really want to convey the love of God, His peace that passes understanding, the graciousness and appeal of the Holy Spirit, then our “curb appeal” matters. We were created in the image of God, and God sure doesn’t make junk. God sees us as a masterpiece. Do others see us as God’s masterpiece?
1 Samuel 16:7 says “But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” Sure, the world focuses on what people look like on the outside. God focuses on what people look like on the inside. When we focus on what’s beautiful on the inside, we will exude that beauty — that “curb appeal” on the outside.
Curb appeal on our homes and curb appeal on the “home of the Holy Spirit” who dwells in us makes a difference. “Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you?” 1 Corinthians 3:16. How’s that for our “curb” appeal? We are not just houses, but we are temples of Almighty God — how could our curb appeal be less than our BEST?