How to Improve Your Home’s Curb Appeal
When you are selling your home and trying to spruce it up for potential buyers, improving its existing appearance from the road is a great place to begin. The steps you take don’t need to be expensive or time-consuming to leave a lasting first impression.
House Numbers Rejuvenation
Few things are more frustrating than being unsure as to whether you have arrived at the correct address. Help potential buyers avoid this problem by removing your house numbers and giving them a fresh coat of paint in a vivid, high-contrast hue. A high quality spray paint makes this job quick, inexpensive, and easy to complete. If the numbers are too small to read from the road, don’t be afraid to purchase new ones in a modern font. While you’re at it, grab some stencils and mark the corner of your driveway with your home numbers to make your address more apparent from the road.
Clear All Driveways and Walkways
Ensure that your home appears as welcoming as possible. Create or clear a direct passageway from the driveway to the front door. Visitors shouldn’t need to duck under low hanging branches or dodge outdoor knick-knacks when they arrive. Clutter will detract from the beauty of your home.
Accent Lighting to Add Appeal
People often drive by prospective homes at different times to see how changes in lighting affect the look of the property. The addition of solar lights to pathways, flowerbeds, and water features creates a space for outdoor evening enjoyment. Make sure all porch lights have working bulbs and take existing fixtures down to give them a thorough cleaning. Oiled bronze or brushed nickel spray paint can make old metalwork look brand new. Lit areas also increase visibility and security by deterring potential intruders.
Give your Trees and Bushes a Trim
Aside from blocking the view of your house, trees and bushes can damage roofs and siding. They also act as a super-highway for insects and rodents to use as a path into your home. You can rent a chainsaw or hedge-trimmer from your local hardware store to cut away any greenery within four to six inches of your house. Trim shrubs below the level of the windows and bring in a certified arborist to ensure proper long-term care for your trees. They are great at determining how to direct future growth of trees so that you don’t have to trim as often. Well-manicured bushes and trees will dramatically improve the appearance of a subpar landscape.
Give your Home a Good Power Washing
Cedar pollen, mold, cobwebs, dust, dirt, and wasp nests can all make a house look dingy and unloved. Rent a power washer for an afternoon and wash the exterior of your home thoroughly. Give extra attention to windows, doors, sidewalks, and driveways. While you are cleaning, examine your home for any unnoticed damage and weathering to the outside. This prevents surprise findings during home inspections and extensive, non-budgeted repair jobs.
Kill Weeds Growing in your Driveway and Sidewalk
Without proper treatment, weeds can even grow in the cracks in the pavement of your driveway. Pulling these unsightly pests can make a big difference in curbside appeal. Their root structures can cause further damage to concrete as well. It’s best to pull them out by the roots, but an herbicide can do wonders to make sure they don’t grow back.
Give your Front Porch a Dash of Color
Marigolds and zinnias are cheap, colorful, and low maintenance. However, if you have a brown thumb or if you’re selling your home during winter, there are plenty of other options to consider. A festive, seasonal wreath or pretty doormat can dress up an otherwise dull front porch. Keep things simple; it’s easy to go overboard with accent colors, and you want to avoid overwhelming visitors.
Spruce up your Existing Flowerbeds
You don’t need to overhaul your entire landscape design to brighten up your front yard. Start by pulling out any debris that has blown into your yard and trimming away dying leaves or buds. If a plant looks unhealthy or is about to go dormant, prune it back or pull it out. Put on a layer of mulch or topsoil for a polished appearance. You can even add a few bright annuals for a pop of color.
Remove your Window Screens
Window screens, while great for airflow, don’t look so lovely from the road. They fray and develop a weathered look that isn’t charming, so it may be better to leave them in the garage while your home is on the market. Prospective buyers can always request that the screens be displayed with the home. Clean the windows well with a streak-free spray, or have them professionally cleaned. Check that the seals are still intact, and caulk any cracks to prevent weather damage.
Seed the Bare Spots in your Lawn
Put down grass seed in sparse areas a few weeks before you decide to list your home. A bag of weed-and-feed and some grass seed can make a huge difference in your home’s curbside appeal. If you live in a drier region, add an extra watering cycle every week to keep your grass healthy and green. Mow the lawn regularly and bag the clippings while you are trying to sell your home. Sweep up or blow any excess grass that lands on sidewalks and driveways.
Landscaping and architectural improvements can improve the appeal of almost any home. Many prospective buyers consider current and future home maintenance as a top priority. Having a poorly maintained home can be the difference between getting several offers or several drive-bys. Before jumping into an investment of time and money, it’s best to start small. These suggestions may seem obvious, but they make a huge difference to home shoppers.
At Domain Realty, we know a well-maintained, modest home will be far more attractive than a ramshackle compound. We can help you improve the look of your home so that you are able to make the sell and move on with your life as soon as possible. For more information regarding home selling, call one of our experienced real estate agents today at (512) 872-4211.