Curb appeal is a very important piece in the home selling process. If potential buyers are enticed from what they see from exterior photographs and when they pull up to the home, they will be eager to view the interior, and this can result in a home sale! It is also no secret that an inviting curb appeal can significantly increase the value of your home. So what steps can you take ensure that your home has curb appeal? Below we discuss 8 tips to boost curb appeal!
Clean it Up!
Yes, a simple cleaning can make all the difference with the appearance of your exterior. Ensure that the house exterior, especially the walkway and entryway is clean. Remove all debris in flower beds and remove any dead or overgrown plants. Rake leaves that may have accumulated in flower beds.
Ensuring the walkway and front porch is clean will make a difference. You can power wash the exterior of the home, walkway, front porch to remove dirt, debris or cobwebs. The power washer can be rented at a home improvement store such as Home Depot. Or they are not all that expensive to purchase and allow a homeowner to maintain the exterior with the use of a power washer.
Ensure all windows are clean and sparkling. Repair or replace screens if needed.
Tidy Up the Landscaping
Your front yard should be nothing but impeccable. As a start, the lawn should be mowed and tended to, flower beds weeded, and any overgrown trees trimmed. If you reside in an area where drought-tolerant landscaping is preferred, then you can add some gravel or succulents. Succulents require minimal maintenance and do great in most climates. Artificial turf is another option and requires minimal if any maintenance. If you reside in an area which has water restrictions, then this type of landscaping may be suited for your home utilizing artificial turf and drought-resistant landscaping.
There are varying qualities of artificial turf, however. Be sure to research the artificial turf as it can vary in cost. Energy efficient windows in newer construction on homes can cause a reflection which can damage the turf, and actually melt it. A protective film can be utilized on the windows to prevent this from occurring.
Add A Touch Of Color
Color, when used correctly will improve your curb appeal. Springtime is a great time to add color with flowering plants. Utilize creativity when creating a garden. There are flowering annuals available at the local nurseries now including pansies, petunias, begonias, snapdragons and many more. Take a look at your local nursery and see whether there are potted plants that you can use to bring some sunshine to your garden. Local nurseries will have annual flowers available, and they are suited for either the sun or the shade! You want to make sure that you selecting a plant that will flourish and produce lovely color.
Flowering pots can add color as well by the front door or walkway.
Annuals are generally planted during the spring months. If you are looking for additional color, you can add bulbs such as Ranunculus or Gladiolus. They both produce beautiful blooms which do add to the exterior. There are bulbs which are not flowering such as Elephant Ears and Caladium which adds creativity to the garden. Caladium will add a burst of color.
Paint the Front Door an Accent Color
Is your front door a little dull? Why not add a fresh coat of paint. Consider painting it in a contrasting color to make your house stand out. Do not forget to also paint the front door trim. Utilize a seasonal wreath and an inviting welcome mat can transform your front entry instantly and add a dash of color to an otherwise dull entryway.
Take Care Of Your Mailbox And House Number
Your house number should match your house style. If you think that the current numbers are outdated, rusted or worn out, you can change them without having to dig deep into your pockets. Check out the address numbers available online or at your local hardware store, and you can be sure that you will find some to match your style.
If you have a house number which is painted on the curb in addition to house numbers on the home, if it is faded or worn out, then consider having it repainted! It is inexpensive and it is current.
There are many different styles of mailboxes. Some are stand-alone, or they can be mounted on the wall of the home. Both metal and wood mailboxes can be repainted or replaced if they are damaged beyond repair. Depending upon what area you reside in, some metal mailboxes will rust if you reside in an area with excessive moisture. A mailbox which locks will protect your privacy.
Exterior Lights
Exterior lights can add dimension to your curb appeal, especially in the evening. You should ensure that all exterior lights are working when trying to sell your home. Replace burned out light bulbs, old elements, and corroded parts. You will find a variety of light fixtures either online or at home improvement stores such as Home Depot. If you do not have exterior landscape lighting to illuminate your yard, they are available at local home improvement stores. Some exterior lighting is solar and it does not need to be hard wired.
Generally speaking, landscapers can install exterior lighting, or this can be a weekend DIY project.
Up the ambiance on the porch or patio with string lights, which are perfect for enjoying your outdoor space day or night. Outdoor string lights are very popular now, and many homeowners utilize them in the backyard or patio area. Be sure to check their rating, as they will be subject to the weather and elements.
Exterior lighting adds dimension on a home, and also, if you are considering selling, twilight photography is an ideal way to market and sell your home.
Outdoor Decor
The outdoor space should be an extension of your home. There are always ways to accessorize. You will want to add a few accessories which add sophistication and add ambiance. If the space is very small, then you definitely do not want to over-accessorize. Consider adding an inviting bench with throw pillows or a water feature which is aesthetically pleasing and creates soothing sound of the water.
If there is not a covered patio of some type, there are many ways to create shade which may include a colorful patio umbrella. Patio umbrellas may have to put down during the windy conditions or inclement weather.
Repair Garage Door
Don’t neglect the garage door if it faces the street! Paint the garage door and trim as well. Ensure the garage door has been serviced so it is operable and not noisy. Ensuring that is operable is a good idea to because this will be an item that the home inspector will inspect.
You do not want to have obvious signs of deferred maintenance. Home buyers are looking for a home which has been maintained throughout.
Closing Thoughts
First impressions matter more so when you are trying to sell a home. The above steps can help improve the appearance of your home from photographs and from the street. Photography is key when you are selling a home and the photos will be excellent with a little preparation of the exterior. Consider twilight photography as well to market the home.
Find Other Valuable Resources for “How to Improve your Curb Appeal in 8 Simple Steps” from Real Estate Professionals Across the Country. Please check out the articles below, and please share across Social Media if you liked the articles.
Shade Gardens that Inspire via Eileen Anderson, Farmington Valley Realtor
Maximizing Curb Appeal via Lynn Pineda, Image Your House
Curb Appeal Ideas via Luke Skar
Selling a Home on a Busy Street via Bill Gassett, Maximum Real Estate Exposure
Home Selling Tips for Picture Day via Michelle Gibson, Wellington Florida Real Estate
About the Author
The above real estate article “How to Improve your Curb Appeal in 8 Simple Steps” was written by Sharon Paxson of Newport Beach Real Estate. With experience since 2005 representing sellers, buyers, and landlords with their real estate transactions, we welcome the opportunity 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! If you are considering selling your home, we welcome the opportunity to work with you and list your home with a top Newport Beach CA Realtor.
