First impressions really do matter.
How does your home appear at first glance?
Curb appeal describes the attractiveness of a house from the sidewalk to a prospective buyer. These recommendations are both inexpensive and effective. You’ll be amazed by how much an attractive curb will improve the perception and value of your home!
Here are some steps you can take to improve your curb appeal and attract more buyers in an hour or less...
Cleanup, Clear up
When people see a mess, they think WORK. Remember that people are buying a house, not stress. The solution to this problem can be as simple as disposing of trash, or other objects that will draw attention away from your home. You can freshen up your house even more by cleaning windows and gutters – both are quick and easy steps that you can take right now to boost curb appeal.
Remove Any Distractions
Devise a plan to remove any eyesores that could take away from the viewer’s experience. Here are some ways to start: Pressure wash walkways, trim intrusive tree branches, re-paint areas of the house when necessary, and clean up any loose debris that you might run into. Remember: if you can’t remove it, replace it. If you can’t replace it, paint it. If you can’t paint it, then cover it up!
The Perfect Mailbox
The mailbox is one of the first things prospective buyers will encounter when they arrive at your home. Consider removing any mail that could be in it, and whether you should re-paint, repair, or replace the mailbox altogether. Replacing your mailbox is one of the easiest and quickest ways to improve your curb appeal.
Place House Numbers
What better way to help visitors locate your home than by placing house numbers? There are many inexpensive options, including vinyl stickers, metal signs, and DIY tiles that are both effective and stylish. House numbers are one of the easiest ways that you can boost your curb appeal today.
Landscaping
Think of the front lawn as an accessory to your home. While you can get as creative as you’d like, here are some easy steps you can take right now to get the most value out of your lawn: Mow the grass, trim up hedges, and weed any flower beds. This won’t take much time out of your day, and according to a study done by Michigan State University, “a home with landscaping and effort put into curb appeal can increase perceived home value by 5 to 11%.” Don’t underestimate the importance of a well-kept front lawn.
Lighting
If you’ve planned on having showings during the nighttime, lighting gives you an opportunity to give viewers a sense of security and comfort. Fixtures, security lights, and string lights are all stress-free additions that you can try right now. With smart planning, effective lighting can create breathtaking results. For example, you can use garden solar lights to illuminate the pathways and guide guests to your front door. Consider which areas around the exterior could use more lighting to emphasize the natural beauty of your home.
New Doormat
This is one of the cheapest ways to spruce up your home. Your new doormat will give visitors a place to wipe their shoes and get a sense of the personality you’ve given the home. Replacing your doormat is something you can do today for under $20.
Take pictures
Most house hunters rely on photos to get a first impression of a house they may be interested in. Upgrade your curb appeal by using thoughtful angles and a high-quality camera, because a viewer’s first look at your property might not be in person.