Boost Your Curb Appeal on a Budget

In today’s highly competitive real estate market, first impressions weigh heavily–and that includes the appearance of your home from street level. Did you know that a prospective home buyer will make a judgment about your house within the first 30 seconds? When a potential buyer initially drives up to a property, the first thing they notice is the home’s ”curb appeal.“

According to a 2018 report from the National Association of Realtors’ (NAR), curb appeal is very important to attract buyers. To ensure your home makes a great first impression, you’ll want to hone in on a few key areas, focusing on details that entice prospective buyers to want to come inside the house.

Spruce up your front door

The front door signals to prospective buyers what to expect before walking inside. Clean, fresh paint or stain, nice hardware, and security features will leave a positive impression. Consider upgrading your front porch light. The front entrance should have all clutter removed and colorful plants in pots to draw attention to the entry

Give your landscaping an extra boost

Trim bushes and trees to make them have clean lines and look good. Get your lawn and garden in order by edging around sidewalks and driveways, and add fresh mulch to your flowerbeds. The yard should be well manicured (more than mowed!) to keep a clean look as prospective buyers drive by.

Freshen up your home’s exterior

Power wash the sidewalk, porch, driveway, and any other areas of the house. Examine the brick, stone, or siding carefully and if there are stains and grime that need to be removed, power wash those areas as well.

Spot check your windows

Wash off any cobwebs and grime, and touch up areas that need a fresh coat of paint. If your budget allows, shutters and trim can add a welcoming layer of beauty to your home’s exterior.

Remove any junk or clutter

It’s easy to collect clutter you don’t even realize you have. Perhaps you’ve been given garden rocks or outdoor sculptures over the years. The gifts might mean a lot to you, but they can create a cluttered look in your landscaping. If you’re planning on listing your home, remove these items and look at your house through the eyes of a first time visitor.

There are numerous inexpensive ways to enhance your property’s curb appeal. With a little tender loving care, your home will be one of the most attractive houses on the block. When assessing the exterior of your house for upgrades, think about it this way–when people pull up to your home, they should say to themselves, “I can picture myself living in this house.”

Source: BALANCE, accessed October 22, 2019.