If you’re looking to sell your home or want to make a good impression on visitors, it’s essential to focus on your home’s curb appeal. The first impression people get of your home is its facade, so it’s crucial to ensure it looks attractive and well-maintained.
According to real estate experts, a well-manicured lawn and garden, along with a fresh coat of paint on the exterior, can add up to 10 percent to the value of your home. And, in today’s competitive housing market, that can be the difference between selling your home and having it sit on the market for months.
Aside from increasing your home’s value, there are other reasons to focus on your home’s curb appeal. A beautiful facade can make your home more appealing to potential buyers and help you feel proud of your home every time you come home. It can also help deter burglars – an attractive house is less likely to be targeted by criminals than one that looks run-down or neglected.
So if you’re considering selling your home or want to give it a facelift, start by focusing on the areas that significantly impact curb appeal. Here are a few places to consider.
Lawn
The lawn is one of the first things people notice about a home, so keeping it neat and well-groomed is essential. Regular mowing, edging, and fertilizing will give your lawn a healthy appearance. If you have bare patches, consider planting grass seed or adding new sod.
In addition to maintaining your lawn, pay attention to your landscaping. Trim overgrown bushes, pull weeds and add some color with flowers or mulch. Landscaping can make a big difference in the overall look of your home.
However, it might be time-consuming and expensive to do everything at once, so consider taking it one step at a time. Start with the most visible areas from the street, then move on to other sites as you have time and money. For trees, you might have to get professional tree services to ensure they are trimmed and safe because of the challenging task it might include.
Porch and Entryway
The porch and entryway are other vital areas to focus on when sprucing up your home’s curb appeal. First, take a look at your front door. Is it in good condition? If not, consider replacing it. A new front door can make a big difference in the look of your home.
If you have a porch, make sure it’s clean and inviting. Add some potted plants or hanging baskets to dress it up. Consider repainting or staining the floor or railings if they look worn. And if you have any old furniture or decorations, get rid of them or store them out of sight. There’s no need to clutter up your porch with unnecessary items.
Windows
Your windows play a significant role in your home’s curb appeal, so it’s essential to ensure they’re in good condition. Start by cleaning both the inside and outside of your windows. If they’re old and outdated, you might consider replacing them. New windows can make a big difference in the look of your home and can also improve energy efficiency.
Another option is to add shutters or window boxes to dress up your windows. This is an easy and inexpensive way to give your home’s facade a facelift.
Painting
A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for the appearance of your home. If your home’s exterior paint is faded or peeling, it’s time to repaint. When choosing paint colors, consider the style of your home and the other homes in your neighborhood. You want your home to stand out, but you don’t want it to look out of place.
If you’re unsure where to start, consult a professional painting company. They can help you choose the right colors and advise you on the best way to paint your home.
Garage Door
Your garage door is another vital element of your home’s curb appeal. If it’s old and outdated, consider replacing it with a new one. There are many different styles and colors to choose from, so you can find one that complements the look of your home.
You might also want to consider adding a garage door opener. This is a convenient way to open your garage door without getting out of your car. It’s also a security feature that can deter burglars.
The Bottom Line
These are just a few critical areas to focus on when increasing your home’s curb appeal. By taking the time to improve these areas, you’ll make your home more attractive and valuable. They might require time and money to complete, but the result will be worth it.
