Fairhaven Realty
Fairhaven Realty
Fairhaven Realty, a br of Lakeway Realty, Inc.

Entry Doors and Curb Appeal

Posted on December 15, 2009
The snow didn’t happen last night, at least not in Bellingham, WA. We did get freezing rain, though, making the roads extremely treacherous for a while. This Tuesday, December 15, 2009 finds our roads clear and the weather much warmer. 
 
Ericka Pizzillo Cohen, a writer for The Bellingham Herald, has compiled a list of tips gathered from local real estate agents and inspectors and included them in her July 23, 2009 article, Dealing in Details. These tips will prove valuable for buyers who want to look beyond the surface of a home and for sellers who want the best sales price.

Today we will address the tips for ENTRY DOORS listed by Cohen.

TIPS FOR BUYERS:
  • Look for daylight coming in around an entry door. Where light comes in, cold air will too.
  • Check the stoop for water damage and rot.
  • Check for locks and ask for changes if there is a double-keyed deadbolt. Such locks require a key to open from the interior and could pose safety risks during a fire.
  • Look for burn ratings on doors to attached garages.
  • Wood doors look great, but often change size and shape in Whatcom County’s damp climate.


TIPS FOR SELLERS:

  • If you live near a wet, windblown area by the beach, consider replacing a worn out entry door with a fiberglass multi-lock door that prevents warping.
  • Consider making an impression by replacing an old worn out sliding glass door with French doors in a dining room.
  • If it’s a wood door, make sure the door is freshly painted and opens and closes properly.
  • Replace hardware and hinges on doors that have trouble opening for a quick fix that also updates the look of an older door.
  • A great looking front door can add to the curb appeal of a home and can be purchased for a few hundred dollars.
FROM THE EXPERTS
  • “When talking about curb appeal, most people look at the front of a house,” said Lynden real estate agent, Neal Cox. “A front door is a big part of that.”
  • “Some of these simple things seem small in the big picture,” said home inspector, Cyndy Patzman. “But sometimes these small details add up and buyers might consider if the small details are there, it’s a well-cared for house.”
  • “Replacing a front door is a great way to make a first impression to buyers,” said Dennis Bosman, co-owner of Lyndale Glass Inc. “It’s usually a painless thing and takes a day or less.”*
In blogging these  and previous tips from Ericka Cohen, I find  our "to do" list ever growing...how about you?

 **Info gathered/quoted from The Bellingham Herald, Homebuyers Guide, Thursday, July 23, 2009, Dealing in Details.

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