TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) -- The housing market has been off to a good start this year, but tight credit and an expected rise in interest rates have experts wondering how long it will last. If you want to attract more buyers, you need to consider every detail - even cleaning your concrete. Here's more in this Angie's List report.
You've cleared out the clutter, deep-cleaned the carpets and removed the family photos, but your carefully staged home isn't selling. You may need to focus on the outside of your home to get more potential buyers in the door.
"The curb appeal of your home is most important. We call it exterior home staging. We're looking at it from the home owner's aspect as far as what is the best bang for their buck? What is going to give them the most opportunities to sell their home, and also at a price they feel comfortable with," asks concrete cleaner Mike Spiczenski.
Driveways and sidewalks are easy to overlook, but they play an important part in making a good first impression.
"Having your concrete professionally cleaned before putting your house on the market can really improve your curb appeal, both in person and online," said Angie Hicks, founder of Angie's List.
A professional cleaning for a typical two-car driveway and front sidewalk should run you about $150 and last three to five years.
"Many people don't think about cleaning concrete, but they would be surprised that once they have it professionally cleaned how much better it can look," said Hicks.
Spiczenski recalls: "I had one couple who - again, with their home we were getting it ready for them to sell - we went through everything… cleaned up their entire home, the exterior, the concrete… and when we finished, they decided not to sell. They loved the results, and they fell in love with their home again."
If you're a do-it-yourself-er, you can use a pressure washer to do a small porch or patio and get good results. A professional is best for driveways and large areas, especially if you're looking to sell your home quickly.
Remember you can catch the latest Angie's List report every Tuesday morning on WTXL Sunrise.
