The Basics of Improving Curb Appeal
The exterior of your home is the first thing buyers see. Therefore, paying special attention to the curb appeal of your home can really pay off in the end. It’s important to start by viewing your home from a buyer’s perspective. Take a walk down the street a little ways or make some critiques as you’re approaching your house on your return from work. All homes could use a little improvement somewhere. If you’re stuck, National Association of REALTORS® President Ron Phipps suggests consulting a local realtor because “resale value can vary by region [...and realtors] can provide insight into projects in their neighborhoods that will recoup the most when the owners are ready to sell. In addition he explains, “exterior […] projects not only provide the most value, but also are among the least expensive improvements for a home”. Read on for curb appeal ideas that any homeowner can use.
Lighting
Potential buyers don’t just drive by during the day, so evaluate how well lit the outside of your home is after the sun goes down. Is the outdoor lighting you have now helping the look of your home?
*Adding some nice light fixtures on the porch could serve as a huge improvement to the overall look of your home.
*How about adding a little lighting to your garden or landscaping? Or if you have an extended driveway, add low voltage lighting along the sides, leading up to the house.
*Can you see lighting inside of your home when it’s dark outside? Again, make sure it’s adding to the appeal of the home. Are the interior lights shining on something appealing to buyers? Or does it accent clutter and flaws inside the home?
Landscaping
Adding to your yard (flowers, hedges, etc) is always an option, but more importantly, is there existing landscaping that needs to be done away with or cleaned up? It’s quite common for homeowners to overlook landscaping issues because they’re used to the way their yard looks as it is. But you never know how much the look of your home can improve with a few modifications in the landscaping.
*Trim back any trees that are touching the roof.
*Are there any important assets to the exterior of your home that are hidden behind a plant or tree? Remove it or trim it up!
*On the other hand, adding greenery is also a good way to hide the not so appealing aspects of your yard. Add shrubs or flowers to cracked curbs or strategically plant a rose bush where your yard is lacking. Or how about adding some potted plants on your porch and around the front door for a more welcoming affect.
Other Curb Appeal Ideas
*Replace your front door and/or garage door. Realtor.org claims “the steel entry door replacement remained the project that returned the most money, with an estimated 102.1 percent of cost recouped upon resale; it is also the only project in this year’s [Remodeling Costs Vs.Value] report that is expected to return more than the cost. The midrange garage door replacement, a new addition to the report this year, is expected to recoup 83.9 percent of costs. Both projects are small investments that cost little more than $1,200 each, on average. REALTORS® identified these two replacements as projects that can significantly improve a home’s curb appeal”.
*Keep symmetry in mind. Symmetry is a vital component of aesthetics, so keep this in mind when arranging plants and light fixtures.
*All of the above ideas are fail proof in improving curb appeal, but if you can’t invest in landscaping or a new front door, then you can’t go wrong with a new paint job. Paint is relatively inexpensive, yet a fresh coat can add vibrance to an otherwise mediocre exterior.
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