Request Quote
Get More for Tour Home
As the old saying goes, you only get one chance to make a first impression.
That’s definitely true when it comes to selling a house.
Curb appeal is a term that refers to how a house appears from the outside, and it’s your home’s way of making a first impression to potential buyers.
It makes a huge difference. In fact, a recent study showed that homes with high curb appeal sell for 7% higher on average.
The good news is, it doesn’t have to take a lot of time and money to give your house’s curb appeal a boost. Here are a few things you can do right now.
1. Upgrade your landscaping.
The property around your home is the first thing that buyers will see. A well-landscaped yard is not only visually appealing, but it also signals that the home is well cared for.
Major improvements like a new walkway, patio, or lawn may require the services of a professional landscaper.
But don’t worry if that’s not in your budget. Start with the basics — mowing, edge trimming, and weeding — to keep the property neat and tidy.
Freshly mulched flower beds, hanging planters, or window boxes are effective, easy, and low-cost ways to boost curb appeal.
2. Keep it clean.
Your driveway, deck, and windows get dirty so gradually you may not even notice how bad they look… but potential buyers will.
Power washing can remove oil stains and tire marks from your driveway and make your deck look like new. Many garden centers and home stores will rent them if you don’t own one already.
Washing windows inside and out is another easy step to take. Consider hiring a professional, especially if you have a lot of windows on multiple floors.
3. Paint or replace the front door.
As the main entrance to your home, the front door is a worthwhile place to invest your time and money. Putting on a fresh coat of paint is a fairly simple DIY project that typically costs less than $100 in tools and materials.
But if your door is cracked, warped, or rotted, no amount paint will hide its flaws. In that case, you may need to consider replacing it. You might end up spending anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, but it’ll be worth it in the end.
4. Set up some outdoor furniture.
If you have a yard, patio, or deck, make the most of it as a sales tool. A few chairs, tables, or benches create an instant outdoor living space where potential buyers can visualize socializing with family, friends, and neighbors.
5. Don’t forget the little touches.
Updating outside fixtures is a subtle yet effective way to improve your home’s appeal. Start by upgrading your address plaque or house numbers and installing a new, high-quality mailbox.
All these small improvements will make a big difference when it comes time to sell. Good luck!
