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Inexpensive Curb Appeal Upgrades

By
Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX Legacy PARE # RS208307

Curb appeal is the first impression that any potential buyer receives, so you should ensure that the front of your home, from the curb to the front door, is in the best shape possible—even if you don't have the budget to splurge on huge upgrades and services. 

With these easy and cost-effective suggestions, you can improve the curb appeal of your home, while giving yourself a lovelier residence to enjoy right now.

Paint your front door
Giving your front door a fresh coat of paint can do wonders for the overall appeal of your house. Make sure that it's a shade that contrasts with the color of the house so that it really pops. This makes a home feel more welcoming, not to mention more stylish and appealing.

Spice up your front porch
After painting your door, don't neglect your front porch. Add small, inexpensive luxuries like metal house numbers or other decorations. Make sure everything is spotless as well. Sparkling windows and a freshly swept porch make for a more welcoming home, and a more welcoming home often sells quickly.

Get your lawn in order
Tidying up your lawn is a given. Making sure it's spick-and-span, regardless of the season, is a great way to improve your curb appeal without spending too much money—or any money at all! An unkempt lawn can make the house seem less appealing overall, so before showings, make sure your lawn has been mowed and edged for a more professional appearance. Also, try to ensure that weeds are pulled. The healthier the lawn looks, the healthier the house looks.

Plant flowers
Having a garden with flowers can really make a home stick out in a buyer's mind. The pops of color can improve even the most immaculately manicured lawn, and a healthy garden can make any house feel more welcoming. It's an inexpensive way to improve your home's overall aesthetic.

Hose off the front of your home and sidewalks

No need to buy a pressure washer—your standard garden hose is usually sufficient to get most of the gunk and grime off your house. You want your house to be as clean as possible for potential buyers and guests.

Touch up your driveway
Repairing the cracks in your driveway can go a long way toward making your house more accessible in the mind of a buyer. Even superficial flaws such as driveway cracks can really sour someone's opinion of an otherwise beautiful house. And a smoother driveway is easier on your car's tires and suspension.

Implement these simple and cost-efficient ideas to help spruce up your home's exterior and attract potential buyers.  

Sham Reddy CRS
Howard Hanna RE Services, Dayton, OH - Dayton, OH
CRS

I like that tip the best!!!

Having a garden with flowers can really make a home stick out in a buyer's mind. The pops of color can improve even the most immaculately manicured lawn, and a healthy garden can make any house feel more welcoming. It's an inexpensive way to improve your home's overall aesthetic.

Sep 19, 2018 03:57 AM
Lise Howe
Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

the first impression is always the lasting one - and while the agent is fumbling with the lockbox this is crucial

Sep 19, 2018 04:41 AM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning John. The best way to make people open their minds is to make a good first impression! Enjoy your day.

Sep 19, 2018 04:44 AM
Sheri Sperry - MCNE®
Coldwell Banker Realty - Sedona, AZ
(928) 274-7355 ~ YOUR Solutions REALTOR®

Hi John Handschuh ABR SRES - All very good tips.  I bring deep blue pots with seasonal flowers for the front door if it is too sparse. 

Sep 19, 2018 05:49 AM
Sheila Anderson
Referral Group Incorporated - East Brunswick, NJ
The Real Estate Whisperer Who Listens 732-715-1133

Good morning John. These are good and important tips all. It does start with cleanliness.

Sep 19, 2018 07:41 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

These are some great suggestions for enhancing your curb appeal before listing your home John. I've had buyers tell me to just keep on driving to the next house when the front yard was a mess. If a buyer doesn't come in, you have no chance of selling the home.

Sep 19, 2018 06:04 PM