The appearance of your home’s exterior is crucial, as it is the first thing that potential homebuyers will notice. A breathtaking view from the master bedroom or a stunning kitchen won’t make a difference if the front exterior of your house lacks appropriate “curb appeal.” This lack of appeal can discourage buyers from even stepping through the front door. Therefore, improving your home’s curb appeal is a simple yet worthwhile investment, whether you plan to sell your property or just want to increase its value.
Looking from someone else’s shoes
To begin the process of enhancing your home’s curb appeal, it’s essential to look at it from someone else’s perspective. You can start by standing at the end of your driveway or even across the street and evaluating what your neighbors and guests would notice about your house. You may even consider taking photos of your home’s exterior and sending them to a friend or relative for additional input. Sometimes, others may notice things that you may have overlooked.
There are numerous ways to add curb appeal to your home, but it can be overwhelming to decide where to start. It’s best to prioritize and focus on the most noticeable problem areas. For instance, it’s pointless to add ornamental flowers if your lawn is dead, or install a new door knocker if your home needs new paint. Thus, it’s essential to take a good long look at your home to determine which project to tackle first.
A little elbow grease
Often, the most impactful and cost effective way to improve your home’s curb appeal is simply taking time to clean and touch up the house’s exterior and front landscape.
Here’s a few clean up ideas to help you get your home looking its best:
- Powerwash the exterior siding. Make note of areas with peeling or cracking paint.
- Clean out your gutters and remove any debris from the roof. If any of your gutters are rusting or bent, have them replaced.
- Wash all of your windows on both the outside and inside. Remove any cobwebs.
- Rake and remove any dead vegetation. Make sure your walkways are swept.
- Keep your lawn mowed. Edge the sidewalks.
- Remove weeds or grass from the cracks in your driveway or sidewalk.
- Trim trees and bushes. Make sure no branches of exterior plants are
- touching your roof or are too close to power lines
- Keep lawn and gardening equipment, bikes or other children’s toys
- stowed away and out of sight.
- Keep garbage and recycling barrels in the garage or otherwise out
- of sight.
- Repair any broken fencing or any other areas in clear disrepair.
Small details that can make a big difference
If you want to enhance your home’s curb appeal without breaking the bank, there’s no need to worry. There are numerous low-cost ways to add charm and character to your home’s exterior and attract potential buyers.
The Doorway
One of the essential features that a homebuyer looks for is the doorway of your home. Therefore, it’s crucial to keep this area clean and attractive to create a positive first impression. If you can’t afford to replace a worn-out front door, consider updating its appearance by painting it and polishing or replacing the fixtures. Additionally, updating your porch lights and placing planters around the doorway can breathe new life into the area and make it more inviting.
Lighting
Effective lighting can ensure safety and security, and can also highlight attractive features of your home at night. Potential homebuyers may drive by your property in the evening, making it essential to have proper lighting. To begin with, ensure that your porch light is functioning correctly and turned on when your home is on the market. Additionally, illuminating your walkways or prominent trees can significantly improve your home’s appearance and is a cost-effective solution. Nowadays, there are many free-standing, solar-powered light fixtures available in the market that can efficiently illuminate your walkways or garden areas, making them an excellent investment.
New Plants
Introducing new plants and flowers to your front yard and porch area can significantly enhance your home’s appearance with vibrant colors. You can use ready-made planters from your local nursery or home improvement store to cover up any exposed foundation areas. Another effective way to add charm to your home’s exterior is by installing window boxes filled with bright and colorful flowers.
