Curb appeal is extremely important when selling your home. When you are considering selling your home, you want it to stand out from the other homes for sale! Boost the appeal of your home, especially if you are getting ready to list it for sale and have prospective buyers coming through. Keep in mind, your house has ONE chance to make a good first impression both online and in person. If your property is not presented well online, then there is a possibility the buyer will pass it by! When a buyer arrives at the front of your house, consider what the first things that they will see and what stands out. As a Seller, it is important to think like a buyer, and what will stand out to the buyer.
What is Curb Appeal?
If you have a lawn, be sure that it has been tended to and it is neatly manicured. Ensure all the flower beds are weeded and the plants are trimmed neatly. Some states such as California use drought-resistant landscaping with succulents and gravel. Also, there are many in certain areas utilizing artificial turf. This is actually beneficial as there is no maintenance and it does look attractive. There are different qualities of artificial turf, however. Be sure to research the artificial turf as it can vary in cost, and energy-efficient windows can cause a reflection that can damage the turf, and actually melt it. A protective film can be utilized on the windows to prevent this from occurring. Repair any leaking sprinklers, and ensure that the irrigation system is up to date and covers all areas to enhance the appeal of the home.
Curb Appeal Tips | Add Color to the Garden in Spring and Summer to Boost Exterior Landscaping
Depending on the time of year, adding annual flowers may not be beneficial. Springtime is a great time to add color to your garden with annual flowering plants such as marigolds, lobelia (which are dark blue and a lovely contrast to marigolds), pansies, and more.
Check out your local nursery and determine whether or not you will need annual flowering plants which require full sun or shade. Certain plants will add to the appeal improvements of the home.
During the winter months, adding flowers to pots depending upon what grows during winter months will enhance the appearance of the exterior of the home. Research types of plants at your local nursery.
Clean and Power Wash
Be sure to clean your entryway and walkway to the home. Power wash if required and you can rent a power washer from a home improvement store. Remove any debris and dead plants to create a clean entryway. You can also power wash the house and garage door as well. Make sure that windows have been cleaned and screens are in good repair.
Repaint Front Door
Consider painting your front door a contrasting color to the home to make it stand out as it adds a splash of color will boost appearance. I have seen local homes that have had the front door painted a bright blue or orange to create a contrast to a white home. Paint the trim of the front door also. Add a nice welcome mat to the front entryway. Consider adding a seasonal wreath to the front door. A fresh door matt is also inviting to the home.
House Numbers & Mailboxes
Consider replacing your house numbers with updated address numbers that fit the style of the home. House numbers can be purchased online, at home improvement stores such as Home Depot, Lowes, and at local hardware stores. Check out your mailbox also. If you have a metal that has been corroded from living near the water or from the harsh winter elements consider replacing it. If it is a wood mailbox, then paint it or replace it.
Exterior Lighting Fixtures
Replace any burned-out light bulbs and clean the exterior of the light fixture. If your light fixture is old, outdated, or corroded from the elements, consider replacing it. Exterior light fixtures can be replaced inexpensively from Home Depot or Lowes. And a new light fixture will be cleaned and add more light, especially if showings are going to be later in the afternoon.
You may want to add landscape lighting to illuminate the yard. If landscape lighting is already in place, check that it works and repair if needed.
Decorative Furnishings & Potted Plants
Add decorative furnishings such as a bench to create an inviting feel. If there is limited space or flower beds, adding potted plants with color will also enhance the entry to the home.
Garage Door
If the garage door faces the front of your home, it does add to the appeal of the exterior of the home. Be sure not to neglect the garage door as there are many homes where the garage is located at the front of the home. Paint it if necessary and the trim as well.
It is also a good idea to have the garage door serviced, as once the home goes into escrow, this will be an item that the inspector will inspect.
Does it Smell Good?
If you are selling a home with pets, be sure to keep the yard cleaned up at all times. Not cleaning up can result in a smell that can turn off potential buyers.
When your buyers are walking up the front walkway, ensure there are no offensive smells.
Final Thoughts
Your house has one chance to make a good first impression and taking into account these tips will help to make it appealing and inviting to prospective buyers. There are easy curb appeal ideas that will enhance your home. It is imperative to have good curb appeal and your Realtor will ensure you have excellent photography so your home makes an excellent first impression. The first place a buyer will see it most likely will be online. If I can answer any questions about boosting curb appeal, feel free to contact a top Newport Beach CA Realtor.
Find Other Valuable Resources for Enhancing Curb Appeal from Real Estate Professionals
Easy Ways to Make Your Home More Appealing via Bill Gassett, Maximum Exposure Real Estate
8 Cheap Tips for Staging Your Home on a Budget via Kyle Hiscock, Rochester Real Estate Blog
Winter Curb Appeal Ideas via Luke Skar, Madison Mortgage Guys
Marketing Strategies Expert Realtors Use via Paul Sian, Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky Real Estate
Does Your Home Have Web Appeal? via Kevin Vitali, Real Estate in Essex and Northern Middlesex
Are you Wasting Your Money Preparing Your Home for Sale via Michelle Gibson, Wellington FL Real Estate
About the Author
The above real estate article “10 Ways to Add Instant Curb Appeal to Your Home” was written by Sharon Paxson with Newport Beach Real Estate. With over 17 years of combined experience in selling or buying, we would love to share our knowledge and expertise and guide you through the home buying or selling process.
We service the following Orange County CA areas: Corona del Mar, Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Newport Coast, Orange, Santa Ana, Sunset Beach, Tustin, and more!
