Selling a house can be an exciting but daunting process. One of the most important parts of the process is improving the curb appeal of your home. This is because the exterior of your home is the first thing that potential buyers will see and can make a big impression. Fortunately, there are a number of easy things you can do to increase the curb appeal of your home without breaking the bank. From planting flowers to sprucing up the front door, these simple tasks can make a big difference when it comes to making your home look attractive to buyers. Read on to learn about the various ways you can increase the curb appeal of your home and make it stand out from the competition.
Overview of Curb Appeal and Why it Matters
Curb appeal is the ability of the front of your home to draw the attention of potential buyers. It’s the first impression that your home makes and can be the difference between a buyer being interested or not. Agents report that they can tell even before they open the front door whether or not their client is going to submit an offer. Good curb appeal can also increase the value of your home, as buyers are more likely to pay more for a home with a great exterior.
It’s important to remember that buyers are looking for a home that is well-maintained and looks inviting. If your home looks unkempt and neglected, potential buyers may be turned off. That’s why it’s important to take the time to make sure your home looks its best.
There are a number of things you can do to improve the curb appeal of your home. Some of these tasks are easy and inexpensive, while others may require some more time and money. Here are some tips on how to enhance the curb appeal of your home:
Landscaping
One of the easiest ways to improve the curb appeal of your home is to spruce up the landscaping. Planting flowers, hedges and trees can add color and texture to your yard and make your home look more inviting. Even just laying down new mulch can make a big difference. If you’re not sure what type of plants to use, you can always consult a professional landscaper for advice. If you are on a budget, invest in flowers and ferns that are already potted and set them around your home, this will give the illusion of landscaping and produce similar effects.
Adding Outdoor Lighting
Adding outdoor lighting to your home can make it look more inviting and can also be a cost-effective way to improve the curb appeal. You can use solar lights or low-voltage lights to add a soft glow to your home. Check out your local dollar store for these types of outdoor lights, you will be surprised with the affordability and ease of this update. You can also use motion-sensor lights to add a layer of security to your home or try adding string lights in the back yard. Adding outdoor lighting is a simple way to create an atmosphere.
Fixing and Maintaining Your Driveway
Your driveway is one of the first things that potential buyers will see when they arrive at your home. It’s important to make sure that your driveway is in good condition and is free of cracks and weeds. Re-sealing blacktop is a more cost-effective way of making that faded or oil-stained driveway sparkle again, likewise pressure washing cement driveways is a great way to simply ‘upgrade’ the look. If you have a gravel driveway, you should regularly rake it to keep it looking tidy.
Power Washing Exterior Walls and Entrances
Power washing the exterior walls and entrances of your home can help to make them look like new. Maybe you haven’t noticed the grime and guck building on your home over the years, so this is your friendly reminder to go take a look. This is a relatively low-cost way to improve the look of your home and it can make a big difference without having to repaint or change out the siding.
Updating Your Porch and Patio
Your porch and patio areas are a great way to make your home look more inviting. You can add new furniture, paint the walls and floor, and hang some plants or flowers to give the area a fresh look. Online places like Facebook marketplace are great sites to try and find affordable and sometimes even free outdoor furniture. If you already have outdoor furniture, especially metal furniture, you can make it look new with an easy coat of spray paint. Now-a-days finding textures spray paint in metal colors is easier than ever and a very affordable way to make your loved furniture look new.
Painting Your Front Door and Other Accessories
Painting your front door is a great way to add a pop of color to your home and make it stand out. According to a recent Zillow analysis, statistics showed that front doors painted black can increase your home’s value by 2.9% when analyzing black doors and purchase price. You can also paint other accessories such as shutters, window boxes, and mailboxes to give your home a cohesive look. Tip: when deciding what color to paint accessories search pictures of homes with specific color schemes to make sure that you like the way it looks before investing in a paint color that ends up not looking good.
Investing in Curb Appeal
If you’re looking to make a bigger investment in your home’s curb appeal, there are a few things to look for. For example, you can add a new walkway or driveway, or you can build a deck or patio. Pavers, new garden beds with blooming plants for even new grass turf can also make a big difference when it comes to the look of your home. This may take some hard work or even a professional, but it is worth it if you have the time and money. You can also invest in new windows, doors or add a fence to your yard.
Conclusion
Increasing the curb appeal of your home can make a big difference when it comes to selling it. There are a number of easy and inexpensive things you can do to make your home look more attractive to potential buyers. From planting flowers to sprucing up the front door, these simple tasks can make a big difference in the look of your home and can help to increase its value. By following these tips, you can make sure that your home looks its best and make it stand out from the competition.
For more talk about curb appeal, check out our video!
