Why Does Curb Appeal Matter?
Proper curb appeal is more than what homes simply look like; it is an ingenious marketing tool. What is curb appeal, if not for another form of marketing designed to sell the property from the outside in? Curb appeal sets expectations. Prospective buyers are more inclined to look inside if they like what they see on the outside. First impressions make a difference when it comes to selling a home. Improving the exterior of a property may not be as exciting as trying to figure out what to do with the kitchen, but in many ways, is more important. At first glance, you want your property to have a “wow” factor. At a minimum, it shouldn’t turn off a large majority of buyers. Conversely, the home’s curb appeal should entice buyers to inquire further.
Curb Appeal Ideas To Improve Your Home
The great thing about curb appeal is that it’s easy to achieve with some relatively minor adjustments. Here are six ways to improve the curb appeal of your home:
1. Grass, Landscaping & Trees
It does you no good to commit your full budget to your property’s interior if the outside is a mess. Your curb appeal should start with the condition of the grass, landscaping and any other foliage near the front of the property. Landscaping improvements can be as simple or as complex as you want to make them. Start with the grass and go from there. Burnt or dirt patches make the property feel old, dated and neglected. In most cases, the fix can be as easy as planting seed and watering the yard for a few weeks. If the problem is more severe, you may want to consider sod or artificial grass. From there, you should focus on the area immediately nearest to the house. Overgrown or dying bushes are an eyesore, therefore must be trimmed or removed. Another area you should update is the mulch. A fresh layer of mulch can completely transform a property’s exterior. To get a full picture of the home’s curb appeal, drive down your street and take note of the first thing that stands out upon pulling up. These items are what others will notice as well.
2. Roof Of The House
In addition to improving the landscape, you should also look at the physical condition of your property; namely, the roof of the house. While not typically regarded as a property’s most aesthetic characteristic, few features will either turn away or attract prospective buyers more than a home’s roof. If the roof is old and has only a few years left, you will receive a positive return on your money by replacing it and trying to sell the home for a higher price. Buyers won’t want to pay out of pocket for a new roof after they get into a home unless they are getting a great deal. If they know they will need a new roof in a few years, they will most likely submit a low-ball offer.
3. Exterior Of The Property
In addition to the roof, you also have to look at the siding and exterior of the property itself. A dirty exterior is something that should not be ignored. Power washing a deck or the siding of your property won’t take very long, but will have a big impact. Think of it as if you were trying to sell a dirty car. A clean car with a nice shine is much easier to sell than a dirty one. The same can be said if you are looking to sell your house.
4. Driveway
Another exterior area that is often overlooked is the driveway. You don’t need to replace or reseal your driveway, but it shouldn’t be in poor condition either. Driveways full of weeds or cracks won’t present your property in the best light. Fixing this can be as easy as a bottle of weed spray and twenty minutes of labor. If you are on a budget, just be sure to touch up only the parts that need the most work.
5. Front Door
What is the one item that is almost impossible to ignore every time you walk into your home? The answer is your front door. Instead of replacing the door entirely, start by seeing if a fresh coat of paint will be enough to give it an updated look. If you are looking for a more permanent fix, a new door is certainly money well spent and will come with an impressive ROI.
6. Other Ideas
If you want to give yourself the best chance to rent or sell your property, there are a few additional areas you should address to improve your curb appeal. You should assess which items around the house are in need of updates. Take a look at the current state of your own home and identify which aspects are due for an update. Don’t forget to check for the following:
- Mold & Mildew: Be sure to address any signs of mold or mildew, as these are sure to turn off potential buyers. Better yet, do your best to eliminate any sources of moisture that may be the cause of the problem.
- Windows & Gutters: Whether they need to be replaced, cleaned or added, windows and gutters play an important role in curb appeal.
- Equipment: Nobody wants to see the equipment you use to maintain your property. Therefore, be sure to store everything in their proper locations. Everything from trash cans to hoses to lawn mowers should be hidden appropriately.
- Lighting: Curb appeal isn’t relegated to daytime hours. Therefore, it’s in your best interest to make sure the home is just as attractive at night as it is during the day. String low-voltage lighting along your driveway, sidewalks and near important landscaping elements. Feel free to add a decorative lamp to your front porch. Simply light up your home at night with attractive lighting and your efforts will be rewarded.
Final Thoughts On Curb Appeal
There are many things you can do to improve the curb appeal of your property. Some of these things may be more costly than you imagined, but they can have a huge impact on your sales price. Spending time and money on the interior is important, but it will all be for naught if the exterior of the house doesn’t have curb appeal.
