Your house’s curb appeal easily translates to boosting its value — resale value if you’re planning to sell your property in the near future. The fact is, your home’s exterior is like the cover of a book; it sets the stage for what’s inside.
In a layman’s term, curb appeal refers to the level of attractiveness of your property and its surroundings when viewed from the street.
While accent walls and decorative fixtures can certainly help, you want to start where prospective buyers begin: the front of the home. After all, first impressions are incredibly important in the home buying process, and can help to sell your house at a better price.
According to Consumer Reports, if you’re selling your home, your curb appeal can increase your home value by 3% to 5%. In fact, according to a study by Michigan State University, a home with good curb appeal can increase its value by as high as 5 to 11%! Not to forget that curb appeal can help sell a home faster too.
So, here are 20 easy projects to help improve your curb appeal, help your home make a better first impression, and get you the desired moola!
- Paint your house’s exterior
A quick, easy, and sure-shot way to increase the value of your house is to paint it. A fresh coat of paint can make your abode look as good as new. However, don’t get too wild when choosing paint colors.
It’s best to stick to neutral shades as they appeal to potential buyers more. While we’re giving you paint advice, here’s one more: steer away from dark colors that make your house look dingy and boring. Homebuyers generally don’t care for dark hues.
- Refresh your front door
A bright and happy front door can do wonders for your home’s overall appeal. It can welcome your potential buyers and how! If you have a good budget, you can spring for a total door replacement, otherwise a good paint job will also add new life into your front door. Just for your info: a brand-new steel door costs up to $2,000. And, you can recover up to 75% of the cost if and when you sell your home. Isn’t it incredible?
Planning a renovation for your house? Try our free home remodel cost estimator; it’s easy and convenient to use!
Read more: Red Door Ideas To Make Your House The Belle Of The Block.
- Add new door hardware
If you’re tight on the budget and cannot afford a new door, think of replacing your front door’s existing hardware. A trendy door knocker, for instance, will make for a quick and noticeable upgrade.
Choose a color that contrasts with your door’s paint color. Think black hardware on a white door or brass hardware on a black door.
- Upgrade your landscaping
Your landscape is one of the first things any potential homebuyer will see. According to a study by landscape economists, attractive landscaping can add up to 28% to your home’s overall value!
If you’re hesitant about sprucing up your landscaping due to the high cost, don’t be. A small upgrade doesn’t have to break the bank. There’s no need for you to hire a pricey landscaping company just for the heck of it.
The first step is to clear out all the weeds and brown shrubbery. Next, buy drought-tolerant plants (less water and maintenance) that are native to your region and place them strategically around your home. Keep in mind that edged gardens, window boxes, and flowerbeds have a finished look to them that many home buyers find appealing.
- Plant flowers
Any outdoor landscaping is incomplete without fresh flowers. Especially so if you’re selling your home during spring or summer. Bright and eye-catching flowers are going to be your best friend. The splash of color as you walk up to the home will make your house feel inviting, cheerful, and homey.
The colors will put your buyers in a good mood, and they may even feel more positive about your home, even if you are asking a little more than they would like.
- Maintain your lawn
If you have a lawn, you must maintain it. Simple. There’s no doubt that lawn maintenance will reap great results. Almost 75% of all house realtors agree that sellers must take care of lawn care before putting their homes on the market. A poorly maintained lawn can easily miff house buyers.
For your info: the cost of maintaining your lawn runs only about $330 while it will help you recover a value of 303% according to a report by National Association of Realtors.
- Lay a paver path
If you can afford it, a cute walking path through some of your new landscaping will make your house like a beautiful oasis. Trust us, your buyer’s heart will start racing as they enter your living area.
Pavers are small, inexpensive bricks that can be used to easily lay a beautiful garden path. Even just a short one winding through your new flower bed can add character and appeal to the house.
The prettier and easier to maintain your front yard is, the more appreciative your prospective buyers will be. A well-kept, landscaped yard says you care about your house and how it looks. It’s a sign that the inside has probably been well-cared for as well.
- Jazz up your outdoor lighting
Your home’s value goes up significantly when you spend a little cash on outdoor lighting. Let’s just say, a well-lit house sparkles like a jewel in your neighborhood and in everyone’s heart. Apart from being an essential feature (according to the National Association of Home Builders), good lighting also helps deter thieves.
So, it’s a good idea to invest in great looking and pocket-friendly light fixtures. By the way, solar garden lights are simply amazing.
- Add a border to your driveway
Whichever type of driveway you have, chances are it’ll be bland and boring with nothing around it. Such an addition won’t do much to add to your home’s exterior. One way to make it stand out is to add a border. Line it with bricks, stones, or pavers all the way to the street.
Keep in mind that the cost for this home improvement project will vary depending on the border material you select and the total length of your driveway.
- Add eye-catching, symmetrical front porch decor
Think lovely wreaths, porch swing, potted plants, decorative elements that add an exceptional dose of beauty to your front porch. For year-round appeal, look for wreaths with dried or preserved greens, faux plants and florals. Avoid seasonal elements that can put an expiry date on the decoration. Instead, go with a simple yet elegant display.
Here’s a tip: embrace symmetry in your decor and design. Symmetrical patterns create pleasing focal points and make your home look well-put-together. You can invest in matching wall lanterns or plants on either side of your front or garage door.
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Give your mailbox a makeover
Do not underestimate the power of a mailbox! When potential buyers pull into your driveway, the mailbox will be one of the first things they’ll see. If it’s ugly, old, or sitting atop a rotting post, they’ll notice immediately.
Replace your dated mailbox with something more stylish. Such a simple project will bring about a noticeable difference in your home’s curb appeal. Depending on whether you have a standing mailbox or one that’s attached to the wall, the cost to replace it will be about $50 to $200.
Read more: Mailbox post replacement
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