Listing Tips: What is Curb Appeal?
Most people focus the inside of a house when staging, however, the exterior is just as important for making a sale. Improving your curb appeal can help increase the value of your home and impress buyers the moment they step foot on the property. Meanwhile, poorly maintained exteriors can deter anyone from even wanting to go inside.
It’s not all just about looks either. Make sure the exterior of your home would pass a home inspection to avoid any unpleasant surprises before your REALTOR® puts it on the market.
When it comes to improving your curb appeal, what’s actually worth repairing and upgrading? Here’s a list of four key areas that will give you the best return and help you put your proverbial best foot forward.
1. Keep your lawn manicured
Taking care of your lawn should not be reserved for spring cleaning. Staying consistent with raking, mowing, watering and weeding will go a long way in making your home look cheerful and inviting. Having luscious green grass signals to potential home buyers that the house is well-maintained. Have a few patches that just won’t grow? Lightly water and rake the area, then try reseeding. This is a tedious process but the results are well worth it.
2. Landscaping
Impeccable landscaping doesn’t mean you need to blow your budget on flowers. Stick to low-maintenance perennial plants wherever possible. You’ll also want to choose colours that match your home’s exterior. Don’t think you have what it takes to design a garden? Use containers or planters and scatter them around your porch and walkway.
3. Hardscaping
There are three things that should be in tip-top shape before listing your home: the driveway, walkway and porch. Fix any cracks, fill holes and make repairs as needed. It’s worth getting a professional involved if you’re not particularly adept at this kind of outdoor handiwork, as DIYing could make the situation worse (and end up costing you more). Adding lights along your walkway can also help make it safer and appear more inviting.
4. Front door
Your front door should be eye-catching at first glance. A fresh coat of paint in the right colour will make it pop. Replacing an old doorknob with new hardware is another easy way to make your door look brand-new. And for a more welcoming touch, add an ornament like a seasonal wreath.
Improving your home’s curb appeal can be hard work but will make it more appealing to potential home buyers. Remember: a home that looks inviting from the outside will encourage people to want to take a peek inside.
