Spring is here, new flowers are blooming, and everyone’s yard is coming back to life after the winter months. It’s the perfect time to talk about curb appeal! Many of you have probably heard this term when buying or selling a home because many realtors discuss curb appeal as a way to attract prospective buyers. The aesthetic look of a home’s exterior can say a lot about what can be found on the inside and at the very least, if you want to maximize your property’s value, it’s best to focus on improving your home’s curb appeal. Here are a few reasons why curb appeal matters and simple ways to improve it.
What Is Curb Appeal?
Simply put, curb appeal is how attractive your home looks when viewing it from the street. There are many factors that contribute to your home’s curb appeal including your driveway, the lawn, any gates or fencing, landscaping, the front door, or anything visible from the outside. A well-maintained exterior tells potential buyers that the home has been taken care of and gives the impression that the home is in good shape. A great example of good curb appeal would be a well-kept yard, vibrant paint, a clean roof, and tidy landscaping.
Why Does Curb Appeal Matter?
Curb appeal is more than what your home looks like on the outside, it can also be an essential marketing tool when selling your home. Potential buyers will be more inclined to inquire about your home if they like what they see on the outside. First impressions make all the difference and creating a “wow” factor doesn’t necessarily take a lot of money when the goal is to create something that is inviting, impressive, and appealing. On average, homes with well-kept lawns and professional landscaping sell for 7% more than homes with unattractive front yards.
Top Ways to Improve Curb Appeal
How exactly can you improve your home’s curb appeal? Before you start pruning, planting, or painting, make sure to analyze exactly what needs to be done so that you can create a realistic budget and determine where you should focus your attention. Here are a few ways you can improve your home’s curb appeal:
- Landscaping, Grass, and Trees: Curb appeal should start with the condition of your grass, landscaping, and any other trees or plants at the front of your property. Improvements to your lawn can be simple; burnt or dirt patches can be an easy fix with a little seed and water. Overgrown bushes can be an eyesore, so make sure to trim, remove, or replace with something newer. A fresh layer of mulch can quickly transform the entire look of your property’s exterior as well as fresh, colorful flowers.
- Exterior of the Property: In addition to your landscaping, the condition of the exterior of your home should not be ignored. Power washing your driveway or the siding of your home doesn’t take long but can make a huge impact. A clean home makes a great first impression.
- Driveway: One area that is often overlooked is the condition of your driveway. A quick power wash and a bottle of weed spray can make all the difference.
- The Front Door: The condition of your front door can be hard to ignore with so many potential buyers walking into your home. Instead of replacing the door entirely, you can start with a fresh coat of paint or a new color to give it an updated look. If it’s in bad shape, a new door can be money well spent in the long run.
These are just a few of the many reasons why curb appeal matters and how you can spend your time and money improving the exterior of your home. While some of these projects can end up being more costly than you imagined, they can also have a huge impact on your sales price. Overall, improving your curb appeal will be well worth the effort in the long run. Contact us at Marsh Landing Realty for more effective ways to prepare your home to sell.
