Is There Such A Thing As Too Much Curb Appeal?

[Lorraine Hadden]

Recently I toured a home that I was listing. Upon arrival I noticed the curb appeal and thought it was overdone (of course, I initially didn't say anything to the owner). I know curb appeal is important, but is it possible to overdo it OR even have no curb appeal at all? The sellers had put so much pots, plants, planters and shrubs out that I thought there were too many plants/planters that would require a new owner to upkeep.

After a few potential buyer tours/showings, the owner heard all the comments (via the security cameras) about how there was a "lot going on with the plants and stuff out front". She asked my opinion and I suggested removing a few items from the front - which she appreciated. The next tour was much more favorable.

My suggestion on CURB APPEAL - keep curb appeal reasonable for greatest success. 

What are your thoughts on CUBR APPEAL -- the more the better??

[Matt Devincenzo]

I think you're confusing the quantity of items with curb appeal. The term curb appeal is simply referring to the home's exterior being appealing, which doesn't have anything to do with plants or pots or items directly. In some homes planting the front or placing pots could increase the curb appeal, in others it could be paint or furniture etc. It would be like if someone prepared to sell by painting to create fresh visual interest, but chose fuscia and lime green...those colors would certainly catch the eye but I'd never claim that they overdid the curb appeal by painting with too much visual interest. I'd say they chose colors that don't create any curb appeal at all...

In this case the front sounds like it was cluttered, so the way to increase curb appeal was literally to de-clutter.