The importance of curb appeal

For those of you not fluent in real estate lingo, curb appeal refers to the attractiveness of your house from the outside. Curb appeal can greatly hinder or help you when try to sell your home!

Why is curb appeal important?

All our lives we have been told how important first impressions are, especially when it comes to professional events and meeting new people. First impressions give others a taste of what you are like without getting into too much detail and can greatly influence how you are thought of and treated. First impressions of houses are no different - that is why curb appeal is so important.

Curb appeal sets the tone for your entire home because many people associate the condition of the exterior of a house and its landscaping with the interior. While what’s on the inside may be more important, homes, like books, are typically judged by their covers first. It is the first thing a buyer sees and often prompts them to envision what it would be like to live there and if they would be proud to drive home everyday. In fact, studies have actually shown that a majority of potential buyers will not bother getting out or even driving by your house if they do not find your home's curb appeal visually attractive. That means curb appeal could be the difference between selling your home in days at or above your asking price vs waiting months and settling for less than your home's actual worth. For these reasons, it is essential to address your home’s curb appeal when attempting to market and sell your home.

How can I enhance my home’s curb appeal?

The first step to make your home’s exterior look more attractive is to find the trouble areas or spots not pleasing to the eye. Even on a budget, things such as adding flowers, adding new house numbers, or revamping your mailbox can drastically change the overall first impression of your home. Even adding simple things such as a welcome mat in front of your door can help! Boosting your curb appeal doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank!

Don’t forget the backyard!

Home buyers often drive around the back of the house to check it out! Adding a few simple touches to your backyard like clean windows and mowed lawn can drastically improve the appearance!