Curb appeal. Everyone is talking about how important curb appeal is to sell your home fast. So we are all on the same page, “curb appeal” simply means the visual attractiveness of a house seen from the street. It’s your home’s first impression - and it can make or break the sale of your house.
Why is curb appeal so important?
While having poor curb appeal can turn people away from viewing your home, having good curb appeal can actually increase the value of your home. For example, according to a survey done by the National Association of Realtors in 2016, having lawn care treatments done (fertilizer and weed control) can see a 300% return on investment. In other words, the $300 you put into maintaining your lawn will see a $1,000 increase in the value of your home. That’s a pretty impressive!
We all know that most people do their home buying research online. However, 63% of homebuyers drive by the homes they view online, making curb appeal (both online and offline) extra important.
Here are some simple and affordable ways to increase the curb appeal of your home.
1. A picture is worth a thousand words
We just mentioned that people search for homes online. Most homebuyers rate photos as the number one feature they use most when searching for a home. When you take your exterior photos, make sure you have good lighting. A bright sunny day may seem like the ideal setting, but the light can be harsh if it’s not exactly right. The best time to take photos is when it’s overcast. Also make sure to clear off any clutter from your front porch or driveway, and shut your garage door.
2. Pressure washers are your new best friend
One of the easiest things you can do that makes a huge difference is pressure (or power) washing your house. You can pressure wash your deck, sidewalk, front walk, front porch, garage door, siding, etc. It gives your home a fresh, clean look without having to paint your home. Plus, you can rent a pressure washer from Home Depot for around $40 a day.
3. The grass is always greener
As mentioned earlier, landscaping is a big deal to potential homebuyers. The 2016 National Association of Realtors survey states that landscaping is the number one preferred curb appeal item. Keep your plants and shrubs trimmed and your grass mowed. Fertilize every six months and keep your yard free of weeds. Spending a couple of Saturdays working on your landscaping can really impact your curb appeal.
4. Give your entryway a facelift
Spruce up your house number by either cleaning, spray painting, or getting new ones. Update your front light fixtures. A simple cleaning out cobwebs, leaves, and wiping down the glass can work. Or, if you feel like they are outdated, you can always spray paint them a new color.
5. Washing windows
Wash the inside and outside of your all your windows. It will make the inside of your house brighter and create a shiny and inviting look from the curb. While you’re washing those windows, also check out the screens and repair any that are torn.
6. Paint your front door
A fresh coat of paint will make your front door really stand out. You can simply repaint the color you already have or pick a bright color that will really pop like red, yellow, or blue. Not sure what color would look good with your house? Don’t worry. Ask your realtor, one of your friends, or there’s even an app that can help you choose.
7. A thousand yellow daisies
Plant some flowers to bring a splash of color to your front yard. Put flower boxes in your front windows, or hanging plants on your front porch. Having flowers and pops of color makes your home appear more welcoming.
8. Look up
Take a step back and look at your roof. Is it in good condition? Do the gutters need to be cleaned out or replaced? While this last one may not be as affordable as the others, it could provide the most value.
There are many things you can do to increase the curb appeal of your home. While it may seem daunting, many of these projects can be done over a weekend. Put in the effort. In the end it will be worth it when you are able to sell your home. For more curb appeal ideas, check out this article or talk to a member of our team to get personalized suggestions.
