After living in a house for a period of time, you start seeing your home differently. When you first move in, you pull in the driveway and see all of the little projects you want to work on to boost curb appeal. Touch up some paint here. Plant some flowers there. Repair the gutters up there. As time goes on, the projects may or may not get finished, but your home becomes something more than a list of projects, and other things become more important. You start seeing your home as a place for your kids to run around and play. Space to share meals with family and friends. Room to play games and watch movies. The point is, you start seeing your house as a home, flaws and all.
Here’s the problem. When it comes time to sell your home, potential buyers don’t see your house through that lens of fond memories. They see your house as you once did – a work in progress. House hunters see those patches that need paint, spots that could use some flowers, and gutters that need repaired. Although these flaws might seem relatively small, they could be huge red flags to potential buyers. Buyers are looking for a home that’s well-kept and maintained. In fact, real estate experts believe that homeowners see up to 150% return on investment when they spend on landscaping and curb appeal.
New, old, big, or small; All houses can use some sprucing up when preparing to be sold. Take a look at these home improvement tips that will surely boost curb appeal and allow your home to stand out to potential buyers.
A Little Elbow Grease
Call Mr. Fix It
Before you do anything cosmetic, take a look at what needs repaired or replaced. What kind of shape are your gutters in? How does your roof look? Is there any paint that’s chipping? Walk around and make a list of things that need some work. Bust out the toolbox if these are repairs you can take care of yourself. Otherwise, call in a professional.
Power Wash
When tidying up the exterior of your home, a power washer can be your best friend. Get rid of the grime by power washing the exterior walls, entryways, decks, patios, and sidewalks. You’ll be amazed at how easy it can be to get that fresh and clean look on a budget!
Light the Path
Illuminating the front path to your home provides a warm, welcoming look and provides an added layer of security after dark. This could be the type of personal touch that buyers are looking for. Installing path lighting might be easier than you think. Click to take a look at this guide from This Old House for lots of great information on path lighting.
Dress Up the Front Door
The front door is a major statement piece for a home. To start, dust off the cobwebs, and wipe down the windows. Add a seasonal wreath, and that might be all it takes to give your door the sparkle you’re looking for. If your door is in worse shape, a fresh coat of paint and some new hardware can work wonders. Check out this article from Real Simple for some color inspiration: Front Door Colors That Will Boost Curb Appeal.
A New Design
Out With the Old
Take a look at the light fixtures on your front porch. Porch fixtures aren’t updated nearly as often as light fixtures inside the home. Consider swapping out dated fixtures for something sleek and simple. An even easier swap would be your house numbers. Older house numbers could be faded, too small to read, etc. You’d be surprised how much new house numbers can boost curb appeal for potential buyers!
Set Up the Sitting Areas
Allow potential buyers to visualize their family and friends gathering around the fire pit in the backyard or reading a book on the front porch by staging these areas with furniture. Brighten up your deck and patio furniture with a quick coat of spray paint and some new seat cushions. Install a porch swing to give the front of your home a touch of nostalgia.
Garage Door Makeover
A garage door often stretches across a good portion of the front of a home. Bring this surface to life with a garage door makeover. Make your garage door pop with a contrasting color or blend in with a monochromatic look. Focus on the finer details by adding handles and hinges. Click here to find decorative magnetic garage hinges and handles! If you’re ready to totally transform your garage door, check out this link for some DIY garage door makeover ideas.
A Well-Maintained Yard
Plant a Tree
Research shows that trees can increase the value of your home up to 9%, and a single tree up to 2%. Ideally, you’d want trees that provide shade and a wind block, so it would be best to plant them right when you move in. If time isn’t on your side, planting a younger tree is still a good investment. If your yard already has a lot of vegetation, keep in mind that too many plants could be a deterrent for potential buyers.
Revive the Grass
It always helps to mow the lawn and water the grass right before a showing. Sweep away any clippings to show the buyers your yard at it’s best. If you have any dry or dead patches in your grass, consider adding some grass seed or patches of sod to fill them in. Healthy, green grass is guaranteed to boost curb appeal.
Tend to the Flower Beds
Pull those weeds and add some mulch. This is an ongoing task, but it will be worth it if you can keep up on this chore when trying to sell your home. Gardening experts recommend adding a two inch layer of fresh mulch to your beds each spring. Mulch breaks down throughout the year and becomes an organic fertilizer for your plants. Staring off with a well-maintained yard gives buyers time to move in and get settled before messing with projects in the yard.
