The exterior of your home is the first thing prospective buyers will see. A home’s curb appeal will determine if home shoppers will seriously consider your house as an option for them or if they should just keep driving by. In short, it could make or break the sale before the process even gets started.
That’s why it’s so important to maximize your home’s curb appeal before listing the house for sale. Here are some tips to help you create curb appeal that shows off the home and is inviting to shoppers.
Tip No. 1: Clean and Update the Exterior of the House
The outside of a house is easy to neglect. By simply washing the house and removing that dirt and any other unsightly stains, you make the exterior shine. That includes scrubbing windows free of grime and dirt.
You may also want to consider updating the color of any exterior paint to make the home more appealing to buyers; that includes the trim around doors and windows. Consider replacing the front door as well since it is a focal point of the exterior of the house.
Don’t forget the roof and the driveway or any walkways as well. They all need to be pressure washed or cleaned before listing the house for sale.
Tip No. 2: Repair Anything That is Broken
Now is the time to handle any repairs on the outside of the house. Damaged siding, cracked bricks, chipping paint, ripped window screens, a damaged roof, cracked concrete, sagging shutters, and any other small maintenance projects you have been putting off need to be fixed before the house goes on the market. A broken outside is an indicator of a broken inside to home buyers.
Tip No. 3: Maintain the Landscaping
One of the best things you can do to create inviting curb appeal is to make sure your landscaping is pristine. Maintain the lawn, pull weeds, add some greenery, plant some flowers, and trim tree branches to create a lush vibe in your yard that is inviting for home buyers.
Tip No. 4: Update Outdoor Accents
One small project that is easy to complete is installing a new mailbox. A rusted or faded mailbox is a turn off for potential buyers. It’s one of the first things they will notice when driving up, so use it to make a good first impression. Another quick way to spruce up curb appeal is to update the numbers on the house. Make sure they are visible from the street and complement the vibe of the house.
Also consider adding some light fixtures to the exterior. Lighting creates ambiance and can really boost curb appeal. Whether that’s installing fixtures around the front door or lighting a walking path, small touches of light can go a long way.
Curb appeal matters when selling a home. It boosts the value of the home and just may help you sell quicker. It may take a little time and money, but it is worth the investment to get your home sold.
