Top 10 Ways To Improve Your Curb Appeal
The old adage, “You only get one chance to make a first impression” applies not only to dates and interviews. The same rings true when buyers and their brokers step foot on your front porch.
As a home seller, you are striving to convey pride of ownership. With this list, you’ll learn to send your buyer the message that you are ‘on it’. You are the type of homeowner who has stayed on top of routine maintenance and ahead of major issues.
Think of yourself as the loving owner of a 1967 Mustang, that’s never missed an oil change. What gives admirers the impression that your Mustang has been meticulously maintained? It’s the glossy, freshly waxed, candy apple red paint job of course. People are visual creatures, we judge first with our eyes, and in-home selling, this starts with your exterior presentation.
Top ten ways to improve your curb appeal
1. Precise Painting
Painting the exterior of your home is the most impactful way to improve your home’s curb appeal. This can be done by you or a professional - but the key is to properly prep, before going to town. This means scraping and sanding where necessary. Also, pay attention to areas of rot and be sure to replace waterlogged boards and siding if needed. Remember, it is important to mask off your windows and trim, to give your home a crisp look. Depending on the size and height of your home, consider using a paint sprayer in lieu of rolling the body of the house. This can seriously speed up the process.
2. Clean Up and Repair
One of the most important and cost-effective ways to improve your home’s appearance is to put away all the clutter. Roll up your hose, put away your garden adornments, move miscellaneous items such as rocks, bricks and pots and store frequently used items.
3. Pay Attention to Drainage
Drainage problems can snowball into leaks, floods, foundation issues, and pest problems. Check gutters and downspouts to make sure they are flowing properly. Add splash blocks to route water away from your home’s foundation if needed. If you have a French Drain, test it and ensure it’s functioning properly. Puddles aren’t pretty and it isn’t Mid-Evil times. Motes are a home trend of the past.
4. Pretty Your Porch
The porch is where buyers and their brokers spend more time than you think. It takes time to access your property - think retrieving keys, futzing with a front door, and chatting.
Consider a pop of color for your front door. I like fun vibrant colors, however, if you have a more traditional style home, you may opt for something with wood detail or a classic feel. Upgrading locks, handles, and a classy kickplate can add interest to your entry.
Don’t skip on purchasing a fresh doormat.
Pick something inviting and clean, perhaps even with a greeting.
If space allows, add some pots or planters and fill them with seasonal plants. There are less expensive options nowadays that come pre-designed at Lowe’s, and are placed in the light, easy to move, plastic pots. No one would know you aren’t a botanist.
5. Learn to Love Landscaping
You don’t need to spend a lot, but aim to make your yard inviting. Mulch, a freshly edged yard, and some healthy pruning go a long way. Trim anything that is touching your house -it looks sloppy. Don’t allow trees and bushes to block windows if you can. You want to allow as much light as possible into your home. When selecting mulch, (that doesn’t contain manure) , stay away from the red bark and opt for a dark mulch, in a deep coffee color which buyers prefer. Plants and trees of varying heights, and a variety of colors and textures bring your yard to life.
6. Lighting and Ambiance
Outdoor lighting has become increasingly popular over the years. No longer is it required to hardwire a string of garden lights, or add hard-to-install canned lights into your soffits. There are a variety of solar-powered lights available which take no time or skill to install. Think about how your home looks in the evening. Use up-lights to create a dramatic effect to welcome potential buyers to your evening showing. Even Edison bulbs on a tree or fence can provide a warm, glowing effect.
7. Shutters and Window Boxes Add Interest To Your Home
Shutters and window boxes are an excellent way to add dimension to the exterior of your home. This applies especially to homes without a lot of architectural interest. These inexpensive items are simple to install and draw the eye up from the yard, as well as distract from what might be an otherwise flat-looking house. You can build your own shutters or purchase premade ones, that come in both wood and plastic options. You can’t tell the difference once they’re up. Plant seasonal, low maintenance plants in the window boxes and be sure to tend to them, while your home is on the market
8. Garage
Consider magnetic hardware to punch up the look of your home’s exterior without any drilling needed. There are also faux windows available that can be installed, and give the garage a carriage look. Measuring for the correct placement is really the most challenging part.
9. Gleaming Windows
If you’ve ever noticed windows with condensation, or a hazy look to them, you’ve experienced a window with a popped window seal. A professional is needed to repair a window with a compromised seal, through a process called “re-glazing”. Failed windows raise concerns for budget conscience buyers and give the impression of deferred maintenance. Buyers are savvy enough to know, that replacing windows can be costly.
Hiring a window cleaner to thoroughly wash windows makes a home sparkle. If you have never had your windows professionally cleaned, you will be delighted to see the noticeable difference in clarity.
10. Take a risk with one bold element
A conversation piece such as a unique mailbox, a smart doorbell, or a cool exterior light, can go a long way. Try to choose something that isn’t overly trendy, but leaves an impression. But keep in mind, as you prep your home for sale, you are looking to please the largest audience possible. Steer clear of conversation pieces that you personally enjoy, but recognize would be off-putting to others. The goal is to appeal to the majority.
Pro - tip
Whatever you do to increase your home’s curb appeal, make sure that you finish the project. Nothing gives a buyer more cause for pause than a problem left in a half-finished state. If you need help getting your thoughts together, or need a professional to help take you across the finish line, consider hiring a specialist through task rabbit or thumbtack. As a realtor, these professionals have saved me and my sellers on many occasions.