The phrase “curb appeal” gets tossed around in real estate, but what does it mean? In short, curb appeal is how attractive your property looks from the street. And first impressions matter—especially when someone is considering buying your home. Potential buyers might not even bother going inside if your house doesn’t have good curb appeal.
Curb appeal is the first impression that potential buyers get when they drive up to your property. It encompasses everything from the state of your lawn to the condition of your home’s exterior. You want to ensure that your property looks its best before putting it on the market. But did you know that there are certain things you can do to boost curb appeal and, as a result, increase your property value? Read on to find out our top tips!
Start with the Lawn
The lawn is often the first thing potential buyers will see when they drive up to your property, so it’s important to ensure that it looks neat and well-kept. If you have any dead patches in your grass, now is the time to reseed. You should also fertilize your lawn and ensure that any weeds are pulled. If you have the budget, you may consider hiring a professional landscaping company to boost your lawn.
Add Some Flowers & Plants
Adding flowers and plants is easy to spruce up your yard and boost curb appeal. You can plant them directly in the ground or put them in pots—whatever works best for your space. Consider adding some colorful annuals or evergreens to make things pop. Not only will this make your property look more inviting, but it will also make it smell nice!
Flowers and Plants to Spruce Up the Yard
Add not just ordinary flowers and plants. Try those that will give appeal to buyers:
- Witch hazel
- Japanese maple
- Daffodils
- Tulips
- Lilacs
- Roses
- Hydrangeas
Power Wash the Exterior of Your Home
One of the quickest and easiest ways to increase curb appeal is to power wash the exterior of your home. This will remove any dirt, grime, or mildew built over time, leaving your home bright and clean. If you don’t have a power washer, you can always rent one from a local hardware store. Be careful not to damage your home’s siding.
Paint Your Front Door
A fresh coat of paint can work wonders for boosting curb appeal. If your front door looks a little lackluster, consider giving it a fresh coat of paint in a bold color—such as red or yellow. This will help your home stand out from the rest on your street and make it more inviting to potential buyers. Just be sure to choose a color that compliments the overall aesthetic of your home.
You can also give your garage door a metal finish with premier powder coating to add an updated look. It is one of the amenities that will be highly visible and can add great curb appeal. You can also do this to old doorknobs, knockers, house numbers, and mailboxes.
Clean Up Your Gutters & Downspouts
Don’t forget about gutters and downspouts! These are often overlooked when boosting curb appeal, but they can make a difference. Be sure to clear out any leaves or debris accumulated over time so that water can flow freely through them—you may even want to hose them down for good measure.
Check for Damages
Cleaning is not enough; you must check for gutters and downspouts’ damages. These include leaks, rust, and holes. If you see any of these, repair or replace them as soon as possible.
Invest in Some Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor lighting is important for two reasons: it makes your property more visible at night. It can be used to highlight plants or sculptures. If you don’t have outdoor lighting, now is the time to invest in some. You can choose from solar lights, LED lights, or even traditional floodlights. Good outdoor lighting is a great selling point, especially for those who like to stay and hang out outdoors at night.
Take Care of Your Windows
Of course, you can’t forget about the windows! Cleaning your windows is one of the simplest and most effective ways to increase curb appeal. Be sure to clean the inside and outside of your windows, so they are streak-free. If your windows need repair, now is the time to take care of that.
Your windows play a big role in your home’s curb appeal because it is one of the things that people will notice first. If your windows are old and outdated, they will reflect badly on your home. Try to update them with new hardware or a fresh coat of paint. You can also upgrade it to make it more energy efficient, like double-glazed windows.
Get Working!
Completing any of the abovementioned tasks improves curb appeal and increases your property value. So get to work! Your real estate agent will certainly be grateful.
