Top Ways to (Easily) Increase Curb Appeal
After working with Home RX to get your home into tip top flip condition, the next step is to focus on selling your house. But in today’s real estate climate, how do you make your home stand out from others?
With houses hitting the market faster than ever before, you must set yourself apart, especially if you’re looking for a quick sale at a great price.
The first thing prospective homebuyers see are pictures of your home. About 99% of the time, the first photo is of your home’s exterior. This means that you could have the most amazing, modern interior, but if your home’s façade is lacking, you risk losing buyers. First impressions are everything. When selling a home, you not only need to spruce up the inside of your home, but the outside as well.
According to a study conducted by University of Alabama and the University of Texas at Arlington, homes with high curb appeal sell for around 7% more than a similar home with a less inviting exterior.
Keep reading to learn about some easy yet impactful ways to increase curb appeal.
Paint the front door A fresh coat of paint can work wonders in and outside of your home. Most exterior paint costs less than $30 a gallon. Painting your front door can breathe new life into your home's exterior while also adding a pop of color.
When choosing paint, make sure that the color you choose matches your home. You probably don’t want to paint your door bright yellow if you’ve got a brick red home. It's also important to choose a color that prospective homebuyers will like. Since there are so many options to choose from, check out this guide from Home Advisor that discusses the best front door colors for resale.
Replace old hardware If you’re giving your front door a new coat of paint, it only makes sense to upgrade the doorknob as well. A new doorknob adds the finishing touch and will make your exterior entryway more modern and more inviting than ever.
There’s also other hardware that you should consider replacing. This includes things such as:
• House numbers • Doorbell • Mailbox (especially if wall mounted) • Porch light
If any of these items look dated or dingy, replace them before listing your home. Brushed nickel and black hardware are today’s top hardware finishes. Choose colors and styles that go together, as you want your home’s exterior to look collective.
Hang a seasonal wreath Nothing says welcome home better than a seasonal wreath. Whether you’re selling in the spring or winter, make sure that the front door is adorned with a wreath that matches the season.
Pine branches are perfect for winter, while grapevine wreaths work well for fall. For the warmer seasons, look for a fresh and bright design. Olive branches, lavender, and eucalyptus work well.
Landscaping There’s nothing more visually appealing than a well-manicured lawn with beautiful flower beds to boot. Start simple by cutting your grass, edging, and making it look well-kept. Cover any bare spots with fast-growing seed or by using patches of sod.
Clean out your flower beds. Remove any weeds, trim bushes and shrubs, and plant seasonal flowers that add some color. Finish with a fresh layer of mulch for a polished look.
Install outdoor lighting Once you've tackled the landscaping, consider adding lighting. Landscape lighting not only increases curb appeal, it also adds safety and security. You can use lighting to accent the front of the home or a beautiful tree in the yard. They can also be used to illuminate the walking path.
Solar lights are best, as they don’t require batteries or electricity to function.
Plant a tree Planting a tree is a great option for increasing curb appeal. Before planting a tree, consider how much space is available in your yard versus how big the tree will get. Blossoming trees are highly recommended to use in the front of your home.
Some of the best tree options to plant in Chattanooga include:
• Cherry • Magnolia • Dogwood • Redbud • Bradford pear
Pressure wash the siding It’s not uncommon for mold, mildew, and even algae to grow on the outside of your home. If your home has siding and is near trees, chances are that there’s some noticeable discoloration.
The best way to remove this grim and other debris is with power washing. This pressured blast of water quickly removes dirt, mold, and anything else that may be stuck to your home. You can also pressure wash your porch, patio, driveway, and walkway. Pressure washing can remove stains, oil spills, and other compounds that cause noticeable discolorations.
Address any gutter problems No one wants to move into a home with clogged gutters. While this isn't a problem that will be evident in photos, take some time addressing any gutter issues. Hire someone to remove all leaves, tree limbs, and other debris from your gutters. Make sure that they're all connected properly and draining as expected.
If any of your gutters are dented or rusting, replace them.
Dress up your porch If your home has a porch, there are many ways to make it feel warmer and more welcoming. Start by wiping down and repainting any posts or railings that have chipped, peeling, or discolored paint. Replace any loose floorboards or spindles, as those are unlikely to pass inspection.
To make your porch not only pretty but functional, consider adding items such as:
• Rocking chair • Welcome mat • Potted plants or flowers • Lanterns • Swing
All of these items will make the outside area homier and inviting.
Final thoughts When preparing to sell your home, don’t forget to spend time addressing the exterior. All of the ideas above are quick, inexpensive ways to boost your home’s outer appearance.
Remember, first impressions are everything. A beautiful home should look well-kept from the outside in. If you have any questions about an exterior project, feel free to reach out to Home RX for guidance. If you need help listing your house, feel free to reach out to our partners at Working Moms Realty, Lisa would be happy to help you out.