First impressions do matter, especially when selling a home, and that’s where your home’s curb appeal comes in. Even if your interiors are beautiful and to die for, a home that lacks curb appeal will feel unwelcoming to potential homebuyers. In fact, prospective homebuyers might be less likely to examine your home if the outside is rundown or unattractive or if the porch decor is lacking. The good news is that you can improve your curb appeal (and it doesn’t have to cost you a fortune)! Keep reading to learn ways you can spruce up your home’s curb appeal.
Key Takeaways:
- First impressions matter; your curb appeal is generally the first impression of your home.
- You can improve your curb appeal, so homebuyers are attracted to view what’s inside.
- It doesn’t even have to cost a fortune to improve your curb appeal, but doing so can add to your home’s value.
- Replacing old hardware, adding greenery, and lighting, making your door, and taking care of your gutters are examples of how you can boost your curb appeal.
Replace Old Hardware
House numbers, entry door locksets, overhead light fixtures, and wall-mounted mailboxes are all elements that typically add style and interest to your home’s exterior spaces. If they’re out-of-date and dingy, your home might not convey the aesthetic you think it is. As such, you should consider replacing old hardware to update your house. But keep in mind that these components will add the most interest and value when they work collectively instead of as mix-and-match pieces. For instance, brushed nickel suits more contemporary homes, while oiled-bronze finishes are suitable for traditional houses.
Add Plants and Flowers
Adding fresh flowers and greenery is one of the most effective ways of boosting your curb appeal. Besides, it doesn’t take up much of your time and money; you could get that amazing effect by adding some window boxes and planters. You could also use plants to frame and accentuate key visual points, including windows and entryways, and if you don’t have space for a standing planter, you could hook up a hanging one. Note that even just one beautiful plant arrangement could significantly impact your curb appeal.
Spruce Up Your Front Door
The front door is the focal point of every home’s curb appeal. So, you can improve your curb appeal by cleaning off dirty spots around the know or make a statement by giving your front door a fresh coat of paint. In fact, painting the front door can add brightness and revive the look of your entry. You could pick a bold color to stand out, however, ensure that it coordinates with other homes’ colors. Moreover, you should prepare the surfaces properly before painting so that you can get excellent results to last for years to come.
Essential Note: You may consider installing a new door if yours have better days. But keep in mind that your entry should reflect your home’s interior, so choose a swag, flag, or wreath that reflects your personal style.
Add Exterior Lighting
A dark entryway can be very unwelcoming. If you have a sconce or hanging pendant by the door, consider cleaning off the debris and cobwebs around them. That’ll instantly make your curb appeal appear brighter and cleaner. You may also want to consider replacing the lighting with something fresh and fun. For instance, low-voltage landscape lighting can improve your curb appeal while providing safety and security. So, add accent lighting to your home or try illuminating the walking paths. Additionally, if you need some extra light sources, you could hang some porch string lights or use solar-powered lanterns to lighten up the entryway.
Clean, Clean, Clean!
It might seem easy to focus on the landscape and soft scape of your home and forget the hardscape areas, including driveways and walkways. Algae, mold, and grime that you probably don’t notice may be covering these spaces. As such, you should consider cleaning them off. You may want to rent or borrow a pressure washer that’ll quickly remove the grime and dirt from your driveways, walkways, patios, sidings, and decks, so they can look as good as new.
Make an Inviting Seating Area
Setting out a bench or a few chairs in your front yard can make it feel welcoming and inviting. You can use it as a chance to add color and personality to your home’s curb appeal. Plastic lawn chairs are inexpensive and come in different bright colors. Alternatively, you can reinvent old pieces of old indoor furniture by bringing them outdoors (just ensure you give it a coat of weatherproof varnish or fabric waterproofing spray).
Examine Your Gutters and Downspouts
You’ll be in awe at what small efforts can do when it comes to gutters and downspouts. As such, clean your gutters, both inside and out, clearing out the debris and scrubbing them until they look good as new. However, note that if your home has an older gutter system with rusty spots, droopy gutters, peeling paint, and other issues, chances are it could be suffering from poor maintenance, which may convey a sense of neglect. So, replace old gutters and downspouts with a new gutter system- for best results, it’s wise that you hire a professional for gutter installation.
Want to Learn More? Contact Us!
If your home’s curb appeal makes an excellent first impression, potential buyers will want to see what’s inside. Learn how to spruce up your curb appeal! The good news is that a few quick and inexpensive updates to your home’s exterior can go a long way in adding to your home’s value and making the selling process easier and faster. For more information about ways to spruce up your curb appeal, consult our real estate experts today! We’ve been helping clients sell their homes fast and for more and hence we understand what can add value to your home. Call us, and let’s sell your house for the best price possible!
