How to Improve Your Curb Appeal

April 29, 2022

Spring has arrived, and the busy selling season is not far away! Now that nature is waking up from the winter and homes are prepping for the market, it’s time to warm up that lawn mower and give your exterior spaces a little TLC. If you’re planning to sell your home this summer, don’t overlook your curb appeal!

What is “Curb Appeal?”

Curb appeal refers to how attractive and inviting your home is from the outside. The exterior of your home makes the first impression on potential buyers, both in person and virtually. That first impression can be everything when making a sale, and a little effort could potentially add immense value to a home and make it stand out in dense neighborhoods. You want your landscaping, lawn, and finishes to have a thoughtful, welcoming design that adds value to the neighborhood. Any damaged areas of the exterior of the home should be replaced- or cleaned and repainted, at the least- to create a uniform, clean exterior for pictures and that initial “wow” factor when a potential buyer arrives to view your home. 

Simple Ways to Improve Your Curb Appeal

1. Lighting

Outdoor lighting is a huge factor. The right lighting ensures that everyone can see all of the effort you have put into your beautiful home. Make sure fixtures have working bulbs and are clean, and if there are areas of the yard that aren’t getting the lighting they deserve, a couple of inexpensive solar lights can make a world of a difference.

2. Landscaping

Sometimes the simple details that aren’t expensive or extensive repairs make a big impact, such as keeping your lawn green and well kept and trimming the bushes and trees in your yard in a professional manner. If the outside of your home is worn or just feels bland, you could consider adding window boxes and shutters around your home for a more polished look.

3. Entryways

The front door of a home is a focal point, and sometimes repainting it or changing the paint around the frame can make the home really stand out visually. Making sure your fencing is painted, well maintained, and weatherproof is also very important in the overall look of your home. A quick repainting of the door or using plants and planters to create accents around doors and walkways can make a big difference to potential buyers, as they show the property’s full potential when decorated properly. Consider putting up fresh address numbers on the mailbox or replacing a mailbox altogether with a beautiful brick or craftsman style design. 

4. Clean Up

Finally, the most obvious thing: keep your home clean and sparkling for showings. Make sure your windows and entryways are free of debris and cobwebs. Maintain proper pest control and keep all areas dry and clear of any possible mildew or mold buildup. Replace worn out or dirty door mats or rugs around the outside of the home, and check gutters and downspouts for leaves and grime. Pressure washing the driveways and walkways around your home can make a huge difference in the outside appearance of the property! Last, clean and refresh your garage and garage door so that it doesn’t stand out as dirty against the rest of your clean exterior. 

Curb appeal is just one piece of the home staging puzzle! Staging your home to sell is an art, and I can identify what upgrades and repairs you should invest your money in to get the best return at the closing table. Call 205-999-3115 or contact me today to find out how I can help you get the most of your real estate investment!

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