Real Estate Marketing & Beyond
Curb appeal is one of the most important factors in selling a home. That first impression as a potential buyer drives by may determine if they ever even take a tour of your brand new kitchen or updated master suite. Before you even put up that for-sale sign, try a few of the following ideas to update your exterior.
Basic Repairs
Repairs and updates don’t have to be expensive. Replace old gutters and down spouts that show rust or peeling paint and replace with new, snap-fit vinyl systems. If you don’t have time or money for a fresh coat of paint on the whole house, consider just freshening up trim and door paint.
Give the Entryway a Face Lift
Although replacing a front door can be hugely expensive, there are a few other ways to dress up the entryway for an inviting first impression. A bit of paint and molding can make a big difference. A couple of coats of paint lend a bright, up-to-date appearance, while the addition of molding can give the impression of a grand entrance, and it’s available in a wide range of designs and prices.
Camouflage Eyesores
Cables, huge electric boxes, air conditioners, piping, and vents can stand out like sore thumbs around the house. You can’t get rid of them, but you can improve your home’s aesthetics by painting these types of items the same color as the house to help them blend in. For larger items, a small lattice fence with or without panels can provide a little cover, and if trash bins can’t be placed in back, surround them with a fence or even small storage shed.
Bring on the Blooms
There are loads of cheap and easy ways to add greenery and color for a quick facelift. Weed out existing gardens, clear debris, and add some new mulch for a spring-fresh appearance. If edges are old or tired-looking, put up some decorative stone or brick edging. Pick up some pretty containers and fill with a riot of cascading blooms and small shrubs, and then create a dynamic setting by using a staggered arrangement. Flower boxes add welcoming dashes of color to the front of the house and are cheap and easy to install. Boxes made from painted wood lend a charming, cottage-like appeal, while copper or iron are more classic looks.
Illuminate the Night
Lend curb appeal even in the dark by installing outdoor lighting. Many potential buyers may drive by later in the day, and the addition of front yard illumination adds a welcoming, magical appeal. Solar spotlights look great, especially shining on trees or boulders and add nothing to your electric bill. Walkway lights or tiny fairy lights on decks are other pretty additions to think about.
Make a Walkway
Create a more inviting path to your home by putting in a walkway or stone or brick. You can also resurface existing walkways and add brick or stone edging. Not only will this cover up worn spots of grass where you usually walk, but it will lend a more gracious appearance to the front yard.
Add Shutters or Accent Trim
Shutters and trim add a fresh, more updated look to the exterior. Made of wood, aluminum, or composite, shutters can make windows appear larger, and have the added bonus of adding light and ventilation.
Curb appeal is important in the sale of your home, but doesn’t have to hard to install. Once you put the For Sale sign up, the rest is a piece of cake.
About the author: Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most her time hiking, biking and gardening. See if you can save more money by using Homecodec to sell your property yourself. For more information contact Brooke via Twitter @BrookeChaplan.
