When it comes to your home, first impressions are everything. Buyers will drive by and make an instant decision on whether they want to step inside. The exterior of your home, in conjunction with the landscaping, has the ability to make or break the first appearance. Just as important as accessories are to completing an outfit, the perfect front door can instantly increase the curb appeal of your home.

Ron Darby, ERA Justin Realty Broker Co-owner, with forty-eight years of experience, said, “To gain the viewpoint of the potential Buyer, walk across from the front of your home and give it a critical look. Is there something that is less than appealing? Does it look neat, clean and most of all, inviting? Take notes and decide where your improvement dollars might be best spent. Whether you replace your front door, or spruce up the one you now have, the improvement will be noticeable. You will get your share of positive comments from friends and neighbors about how handsome the house looks.  Depending on your home’s exterior finishing, you might consider painting the door a color that complements the color of the trim, rather than matching it. Consult a color wheel, and consider the colors located adjacent to the trim color, or directly opposite. The door is a relatively small space, considering the expanse of the front of most homes, so you can choose an unconventional color for the door and not have it overwhelm the facade. And because of the small area of the door, it can be easily repainted if you change your mind.  If you have a solid wood door, consider refinishing it. If the wood is particularly beautiful or interesting, you can simply oil or seal it to show off the grain. Talk to someone at the paint store about the best way to enhance the appearance of your wood door and protect it against the elements.  You can also freshen up the entrance by polishing or replacing the hardware on the door. If the doorknob, lock, and kick plate are shabby, buy new ones.”

Darby continued, “Fiberglass doors are popular for special orders. Fiberglass doors do not dent or chip, and are impervious to the weather. Steel and fiberglass top the list of popular door choices, but wood doors continue to do well. Wood surfaces must be refinished and varnished every few years, depending on how much they are exposed to the elements. Mahogany is a popular choice, especially in wet or humid climates, because it does not expand or contract much. Oak is an excellent wood for a front door but is very hard and does not accept paint well. Keep this in mind should you decide to paint it later on. Consider whether your home is stucco  or brick, and note the interesting architectural details. Your front door should enhance the existing elements, not compete with them. Newer homes with cleaner exterior lines can take on an elaborate door, though the design should be in keeping with the home’s size and style. New stock doors give you dozens of options, while a custom door is often the focal point of the property. Whether you paint, refinish, or replace the door, freshening up the entrance is sure to enhance your home’s curb appeal.”

Jennifer Darby Metzger ERA Justin Broker Co-owner suggested, “While making a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) report for our Sellers, a comprehensive report in all aspects, we can make some first impression suggestions.  It is complete with color photos and detailed information, and can make pricing easier for those planning a sale.  Truly, there is a difference in real estate companies, and our details will make the difference. We ask Buyers and Sellers to compare.  We believe that in order to exceed expectations of what ERA Justin Realty is about, we don’t offer just real estate basics, we try to be as comprehensive as possible.  In that way, we know that our Buyers and Sellers will hold us all in the highest regard.”

ERA Justin Realty proudly received the prestigious ERA ‘Commitment to Excellence Award’, a premier ERA real estate firm award from approximately 30,000 ERA brokers and agents.  All across the nation, the most sought award that can be achieved in business is the ‘J.D. Power & Associates’ award. ERA Real Estate was a recipient of ‘Highest Satisfaction for First Time Home Buyers Among Full Service Real Estate Firms.’ Award. For these reasons ERA Justin Realty should be your buying and selling Realtor of choice.

For more information on CMAs, consumers can reach the ERA Justin Realty sales team at either of their  Rutherford offices at 118 Jackson Avenue or 57 Park Avenue. By phone at (201) 939-7500, (201) 438-0588 or (201) 438-SOLD.  Additional real estate information is also available at the firms 1000’s of homes websites at www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com.