Ideas for Updating Your Curb Appeal to Increase Your Home’s Value

May 27, 2020

When it comes to selling your home first impressions are everything. As you prepare to put your house on the market, invest some time and money into curb appeal and you’re sure to charm potential buyers and command high offers.

Depending on your timeline and budget, there are many options for sprucing up your home’s exterior. Even if you don’t have much to invest in making your home a show-stopper, there are plenty of quick, inexpensive things you can do that will increase the value of your home and encourage a quick sale. Check out these five ways to boost your home’s curb appeal:

1. Go green 

One of the most obvious things you can do to increase your home’s curb appeal is to spruce up the landscaping. Buyers love walking up to a house with a green front yard and colorful, seasonal blooms. Here are some tips for tackling this project at your home:

  • Plan ahead and plant grass seed months before you plan to sell
  • Make sure the lawn is always trimmed and free of weeds, even between showings
  • If you live in an arid climate, downsize your lawn in favor of drought-tolerant landscaping
  • Plant flowers in groupings or along the front walkway for maximum impact

2. Don’t overlook the details 

Maximize your home’s potential by paying close attention to the little things that make a big difference. Don’t forget to complete these simple tasks before listing your home on the market:

  • Edge your gardens to ensure they stand out. Use a shovel to create a clean line or lay rocks to designate where the garden ends, and the lawn begins.
  • Add symmetry to your home by planting matching landscaping on either side of the front porch
  • Touch up chipping paint on the siding, window trim, and doors
  • Hide unsightly electrical features by painting them with paint that blends into the siding

3. Freshen up the front entry 

As potential buyers approach your front door, they will create an opinion on what to expect from the rest of your home based on the appearance of your entryway. Fortunately, there are some key things you can do to ‘wow’ them.

  • Paint the front door an eye-catching color that compliments the siding of your home
  • Create an outdoor living space by staging your porch with patio furniture or a hanging swing
  • Add a seasonal wreath to the front door
  • Ditch your old welcome mat and replace it with something modern and inviting

4. Clean, declutter, and repair 

One of the most cost-effective ways to boost your home’s curb appeal is to fix up what you already have. Guarantee your house is at its very best with these tips:

  • Make sure gutters are in good condition and free of debris
  • Rid your yard of clutter and personal items by wrapping up the garden hose, putting away children’s toys, and removing dated lawn ornaments
  • Rent a power washer to freshen up the siding and wash the windows
  • Complete necessary repairs to the roof, driveway, and siding

5. Make upgrades 

Impress potential buyers by allocating a small budget to upgrades for your home’s exterior. Here are some inexpensive improvements that can transform the appearance of your property:

  • Upgrade dirty and outdated lighting fixtures along the walkway and front porch
  • Swap out an old mailbox for something new and modern
  • Add streamlined, easy to read house numbers
  • Install new door hardware in a modern finish like pewter or rubbed bronze

 

When it comes to commanding high offers for your home, it’s essential that your property appears to be well-cared for, up-to-date, and move-in-ready. By completing the tasks listed above, your house’s curb appeal will attract buyers and increase the overall value of your home.