Curb Appeal: 7 Ways to Boost the First Impression of Your Home
Curb appeal speaks volumes to prospective buyers. Nobody is going to be enticed to spend the big bucks on a home that looks shabby from the outside, unless the buyer is a flipper or investor. Otherwise, you’ll likely be sending buyers in the other direction if your home’s exterior leaves much to be desired.
Luckily, boosting curb appeal doesn’t have to be extremely expensive nor extremely difficult. There are plenty of simple upgrades that you can tackle that will do wonders at boosting curb appeal and drawing in the attention of would-be homebuyers.
Update Outdoor Lighting
It’s amazing what a little light can do to boost the appeal and feel of a space. If your home’s front yard is lacking in light, consider making some changes to add to it. Incorporate soft lighting that leads a path up to your front door, and install functional lighting above your front door. Proper lighting can make your home’s exterior look more inviting and attractive, and it can also emphasize your landscaping and other features that you want to showcase. Properly placed lighting can also improve security by illuminating any dark areas around your home.
Edge the Driveway
Adding a border along each side of your driveway – whether with plants, flowers, hedges, or even stonework – can gives it a clean, elegant look. Edging can transform an otherwise dull and boring driveway with some color and texture.
Cut the Grass and Pull the Weeds
If your home’s front lawn is overloaded with unsightly weeds and overgrown grass, get the lawnmower out. A well manicured lot is much nicer to look at as opposed to a lawn that makes the overall home look abandoned.
Trim the Trees and Bushes
If your home’s exterior is completely overwhelmed with overgrown tress and bushes, trim them back. Not only can they obstruct the view of your home, they can also make it easier for thieves to hide themselves as they discreetly break into your home.
Plant Flowers
Just the simple act of planting a few flower beds around your front yard – including in boxes, planters, raised garden beds, and along sidewalks – can give your home’s curb appeal a major boost. Planting a few colorful flowers is one of the quickest, easiest, and most affordable ways to make a huge impact.
Install a New Garage Door
An old garage door with peeling paint or faded spots not only looks drab, but it can also make the rest of your home’s exterior look dreary, too. Considering the size of the garage door and the impact that it has on the esthetics of your house, updating it or replacing it altogether can significantly improve the looks of your home. If your garage door is salvageable, consider sanding it down and repainting it. If not, replace it with a modern door within your budget. New doors are now much better insulated, stronger, and can even increase home security.
Update the Front Door
Just as important as the garage door is to your home’s curb appeal, so is the front door. A new coat of paint can go a long way at dramatically improving the look of your front door and make your home seem even more welcoming. Of course, you can also replace it altogether with a new door that is sturdier, nicer looking, better insulated, and more secure. There are tons of options to choose from in terms of style, color, and materials, making it easy to find a door that suits your home’s exterior quite well.
Upgrade the Mailbox
Don’t underestimate the smaller details that often go under the radar. Your mailbox actually plays a key role in your home’s curb appeal, especially if it sits at the end of your driveway or is hanging right beside your front door. If your mailbox is currently battered, replace it with a a sharper-looking model. While you’re at it, take a look at your home’s number and the door handle. If they’re looking worn down, consider replacing these as well.
The Bottom Line
With a minimal budget, a little elbow grease and a dedicated weekend, you can dramatically alter the look of your home’s exterior and enhance its curb appeal. Taking on some – or all – of the above tasks will not only improve the look of your home, it will also help add value to it as well and encourage more buyers to bring the money to the offer table.
