By : Aaron Parker of Nashville Clean Windows & Pressure Washing

Any seller will tell you how important first impressions are when it comes to displaying your home. An exterior that looks dingy, damaged, or dated is going to start any viewing off on the wrong foot. You don’t necessarily have to invest in new gardens, new exteriors, and extensive renovations to add a little curb appeal, however.

Sometimes, all you need is a little care and maintenance of the home as it stands. Here, we’re going to look at how you rejuvenate your home’s exterior and bring out the beauty that might have faded over the years. It will add the curb appeal that’s been missing and attract more people indoors where you can really sell them on the home.

Have the roof cleaned

It might not regularly be on your mind unless you suffer leaks or mold from above, but the roof is one of the first things any people viewing your home are going to look at. First of all, we all know that roofs need to be replaced every couple of decades and they want to see what kind of condition it’s in. But a roof that is in bad shape is going to be attention catching no matter how old it is.

A roof that has the black marks of mold spreading across the surface or one that’s dotted with moss and other dirt and debris is going to look much older than it really is. This is going to have most people assume that the roof is likely to need a replacement within the next few years. To most buyers, that sounds like much more of an investment right out the gate and can turn them off.

A more dilapidated looking roof can also evoke a fear of leaks, damp, and water damage in the home. Even if it’s in perfect health, its appearance won’t put their minds at ease about that.

Have a professional inspect your roof. Normally you would find this under the Pressure Washing Services category.

In some cases, black marks and discoloration may be caused by roof shingles, like asphalt, breaking down. In most cases, however, it’s due to a kind of mold that can spread from home to home. In that event, a pressure wash is all it will take. Every inch of your roof can be refreshed with a soft washing, helping to restore it to its original luster.

Have the concrete, steps, and patios pressure washed

Besides looking up, you can expect that anyone viewing the home is going to look down at where they are walking, too. Patios can be a fantastic selling point of the home, evoking the image of somewhere to rest outdoors on a warm summer’s day and invite friends to socialize out in the sun. That appeal is only going to last as long as the patio actually looks inviting.

Concrete that looks old and disused can really cause the value of your home to take a dip. This applies not just to the patio, but also to any concrete sidewalks and steps leading into the home. This is the path your buyers are going to be taking as they approach the home. They are going to look at it as if they are going into their potential home. If they see discolored concrete, they are going to make the assumption they need to replace it. In reality, your concrete might just need to be washed.

Naturally, it takes a little force to really clean concrete. Pressure washing is the best way to remove dirt and really cause the original color and texture of the concrete to rise to the surface. It’s a good idea to leave pressure washing to the professionals. Many who try pressure washing by themselves won’t find the correct pressure or might not use the correct cleaning agent for the concrete. Apply too much force or use the wrong agent and you could end up causing serious marking and damage to the concrete instead.

If you have a garage, you want to wash the concrete floor inside and outside that particular area, too. The grease and oil that can build up from your tools and automobile maintenance can create a sickly, slick looking floor that’s even slippery to walk on. Even light pressure washing will knock away years of grease build-up.

Have the house softwashed or wash it yourself

For all the other details of the home, especially those that can’t withstand the force of a pressure wash, softwashing might be the solution for you. Softwashing is good for windows, siding, the roof, the gutter, and many more of the smaller details that all contribute to the curb appeal of the home.

Siding is the most immediately visible part of the home’s exterior. To have it visibly marked by mildew is a big no-no for buyers. Many of them will come to a decision about buying the home on the spot, and it’s not likely to be the decision you’re hoping for.

Softwashing involves using less pressure that pressure washing, relying instead on high-quality cleaning solutions aimed at gently penetrating the dirt and causing it to fall away without risking the integrity of the material that you’re cleaning.

If your home looks like it could use a new layer of paint, you might benefit just as much from a softwashing. Not only will it be just as effective as getting rid of marks, dirt, and mildew, it is much easier and cheaper. Don’t forget the details such as the windows and the guttering, as well. It doesn’t take too long to clean the exterior of the home, and it should stay fresh for a whole round of viewings after one softwash.

A fresh coat of paint, a few fresh flowers, and a tidy garden can help maximize the impact of your curb appeal. However, if the home is looking faded, dirty, and uncared for, all the little touches in the world won’t make much of a difference. You need to get the quintessentials taken care of before you even start looking at any changes or renovations to make. Hopefully, the tips above help you see what needs to be done first.