Great curb appeal will add value to your home, whether you are selling or not. If the houses on the street appear well kept, property values will be better than in an unkempt neighbourhood. When houses on your street sell for more money, the value of your home will increase. Keeping your house tidy on the outside will help theirs sell for more money. Ready to sell or not these are great tips to keep up the curb appeal, from budget friendly to splurges they will increase the value of your home, now and years to come.
Start with the landscaping: A well-manicured lawn, trimmed hedges, and colorful flowers can make a big difference in the appearance of your home. Consider hiring a landscaper to help design and maintain your yard.
Clean and repair your driveway and/or walkways: Cracks and stains in your driveway and walkways can be an eyesore. Consider repairing or replacing them. At a minimum, make sure there are no weeds growing in the cracks.
Fix driveway sags, especially if it affects the roof-line of the garage, or sunken below the garage level. The driveway is one of the first things a buyer sees and perceives as being a large expense that they don’t want to deal with. The entire driveway doesn’t necessarily have to be dug up, there are companies that will lift sagging or sinking concrete. Driveways can also be resurfaced.
Front Door: First impressions are very important.
Front landing / Porch: Use artificial greenery to enhance the front yard. Artificial greenery can be a great way to create a low-maintenance and visually appealing landscape.
Ensure that your front landing is not overly cluttered. Tasteful potted planters, benches, a chair with a nice pillow can be used to stage your front landing, creating a welcome feeling. Clean. Clean. Clean.
Lighting and hardware: Upgrading your outdoor lighting fixtures can not only enhance the safety and security of your home but also add a stylish touch to your exterior.
Updated, clean and matching light fixtures help boost curb appeal day and night. Light fixtures and hardware can be painted for a quick, easy and inexpensive update. Upgrading your door handles, house numbers, and mailbox can give your home a fresh look and enhance its curb appeal.
Windows: Clean windows inside and out. Ensure that window sills are clean. Although curtains are an interior item – they are seen from the exterior – make sure they are tidy and appropriate. No flags or sheets for window coverings. Check that all screens are in good repair.
Window boxes filled with colorful flowers or greenery can add a charming touch to your home's exterior. Window boxes and shutters can add a punch of color and make windows appear larger.
If you have windows on your garage that are showing the inside clutter, use privacy peal and stick film to cover those windows. There are many great options to match the style of your home, if you can’t decide on a style go with a reflective one.
Exterior: Pressure washing your home's exterior can remove dirt and grime, making it look clean and refreshed.
Ensure that paint is not pealing off anywhere – patch or repaint. Stay neutral and within the expectations of the neighbourhood when choosing paint colors. Repaint brick if it is looking outdated. Replace any warped vinyl siding – it is quite inexpensive to have a couple of pieces replaced.
Replacing your garage door is an investment that can enhance your home's curb appeal and increase its value. With the right design, materials, and installation, you can create a beautiful and functional garage door that complements your home's exterior.
If the door doesn't need to be replaced, clean, paint. Oil if it’s squeaky and make sure all garage door openers are in working order. If you have glass doors – add frost film or paint the interior side so that the items inside the garage are not visible from the street. Match the style of the house/street to the style of the door.
Fence: Paint if necessary. Clean and tidy is the theme. Replace any rotten boards, make sure the fence is not falling over. A front picket fence can add charm, as long as it fits with the style of the house.
Roof: If the shingles are peeling up then it’s time to look into replacing them; this is a bigger ticket item but it will turn away buyers pretty quick if that’s the first thing they see. Replace damaged downspouts, paint or replace mismatching downspouts and eves trough.
House numbers. An easy way to add an updated look. Check out these customizable numbers on Amazon:
Remember, enhancing your home's curb appeal does not have to be a massive undertaking. By making small changes, you can create a welcoming and beautiful exterior for your home.
