Many prospective home buyers decide which houses they are interested in looking at based on the photos on Zillow, and the way the house looks from the street. This curb appeal factor is an increasingly important aspect of selling your home that you need to consider before you list it on the market in order to be successful. There are many things you can do to increase the curbside appeal, and in many cases, even just a few simple tasks will greatly improve your home’s desirability from the street.
Here are 12 things, big and small, that you can do to improve your home’s curbside appeal:
1. Paint
One of the most effective ways to spruce up your home’s exterior is through a new coat of paint. Exterior painting gives your home a fresh, modern, well-kept appearance that is devoid of peeling paint, streaks, or faded walls. If you plan to have the exterior of your home painted, consider the colors of the surrounding homes and environment. Choosing the right color to complement your home’s surroundings will enhance its appearance even more.
2. Landscape
Don’t forget about your landscape as you increase the curb appeal of your home. Bushes, shrubs, flowers, and other landscaping elements significantly change the appearance of your home, especially from the street view. Make sure to weed the flower beds, prune the shrubs, or add a fresh layer of mulch. Consider adding a few potted plants or some solar lighting for additional interest.
3. Upgrade Your Mailbox
Mailboxes are often overlooked, but a spiffy mailbox goes a long way in affecting the first impression a potential buy has of your home. While a total mailbox replacement can be a fun change, if you don’t want to completely replace your mailbox a simple deep cleaning will make a big difference.
4. Pressure Wash
Pressure washing can be an excellent way to increase the curbside appearance of your home. The high pressure cleans dirt and grime off of driveways, sidewalks, decks, siding and windows, leaving them looking fresh and new. You can buy a pressure washer, or just rent it for a day to get your house looking clean.
5. Replace your roof
Your roof makes up a significant surface area of your home’s exterior, and if your shingles are worn out, faded, or stained, replacing them with fresh new roofing material will boost the curbside appearance greatly.
Fredericksburg roofing companies replace roofs that greatly increase the curbside appeal of homes in the area. New shingles come in color choices that match or complement the paint and siding of your home for an aesthetically pleasing result.
6. Paint the fence
A freshly painted (or stained) fence adds to the well-groomed ideal many prospective home buyers look for in a home and property. Adding a fresh coat of paint to your fence will help make your home attractive to potential buyers.
7. Add color to your front door
Your front door is the entrance to your home, and can be a fun and beautiful way of expressing yourself as you welcome others into your space. Whether you want to keep it classic with a neutral wood stain or muted paint color, or add a fun splash of color,a well-painted or stained front door is a great way to impress buyers.
8. Update Your Light Fixtures
Exterior lighting is an often-overlooked factor in the curb appeal of your home. If the light fixtures on your porch are dirty, outdated, or full of cobwebs, a deep clean or replacement will go a long way. Don’t forget to check to make sure the light bulbs are functioning properly and have not burnt out.
9. Add porch seating
Curb appeal is such an appealing factor for new home buyers because it signals that the space is inviting. What better way to communicate that than by placing seating and other furniture on your porch? Try to choose pieces that are simple, and fit the size of the porch. Add a few throw pillows or a vase of flowers for a final touch.
10. Eliminate clutter
Clutter is the fastest way to make a beautiful home less attractive. Look at your home from the sidewalk and take note of any clutter on your driveway, your porch, or in your lawn. Taking the time to remove these items, or rearrange them with intention is a quick, free, and effective way to boost your home’s curbside appearance.
11. Clean your gutters
Messy, clogged or overflowing gutters aren’t appealing to anyone, so make sure to clean out your gutters before you put your home on the market. You can hire a professional gutter cleaning service, or simply bring out a ladder and do it yourself. Make sure to dispose of debris in your dumpster, or take it to a disposal site to avoid unsightly piles of leaves in your yard and driveway.
12. Maintain your lawn
Finally, routine lawn maintenance is a simple way to increase the curb appeal of your home. Freshly manicured green grass is a great way to attract the attention of potential home buyers, and make your home seem inviting and look beautiful. Mowing your lawn regularly and fertilizing it on a regular basis will help your grass stay healthy and green all summer long.
These 12 ideas are all great ways to spruce up your home and increase the curb appeal of your home. Choose a few to tackle before your home goes on the market to give it the best shot at a quick and profitable sale.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
