Curb Appeal: How to Upgrade it

When the goal is to sell your home, it is important to make sure that potential buyers are drawn to your property before they get a chance to see the inside. How? It’s called curb appeal.

So what is this curb appeal we speak of? Great question, it is the idea of having a great long-lasting first impression of your home whether they drive by it without intent or the run past for a morning jog. It is curb appeal that makes someone say “Wow, that’s a beautiful home” without ever seeing the inside of it. In today’s market, however, many homes are viewed via internet through photos and video, so it’s not only a good idea to stage your curb for the people passing by, but also the people looking online. So let’s get started with some great tips to get upgrade your curb appeal.

1. Paint the exterior.

   Nothing makes a home seem more invisible than old, chipped or dulled paint. A quick paint job can revitalize your home immensely. A good idea when choosing to repaint is to select a color that’s warm, but somewhat neutral. Dark colors often make items appear smaller, (like that little black dress you love) so keep it light.

2. Pressure wash the roof and or gutters.

   Buy, rent or hire a pressure washer to remove all of the dirt and green mold – which is harmless- off the exterior of the home. While you’re at it, might as well pressure wash the driveway, walkway to the front door, sidewalks and curbs. Watch out for spider webs, wasps, or bees around the soffits of your home as you’re pressure washing, also, if you have roof shingles, make sure you consult with a professional before to avoid lifting or leaking..

3. Mow the lawn and do some gardening.

   Having a landscaper or gardening company visit your property on a weekly basis can take your curb appeal a long way. The last thing a potential buyer wants to see are brown patches on the grass, weeds growing through the cracks in the cement or wild tree branches reaching down to pat your possible buyers on the back. We understand that sometimes managing the cost for weekly maintenance is not an option and you aren’t the green thumb of the family, so here are a few quick tips: adding red cyprus mulch or white medium sizes flat stones around flowerbeds brings some pop to your home. A nice pot of small, colorful flowers by the front door or planted in a window box is a great touch also.

4. Replace windows:

   As our homes ages, so do our windows. Like when we were children, our new windows moved with ease, up and down, but as we get older and slow down, so do our windows… they also crack, leak, squeak, lose insulation etc. If it’s that time, and you know when it’s that time, you need to replace them. Look at it this way, replacing your windows can instantly update the exterior and make the house more energy-efficient, a benefit buyer’s love.

5. Update the driveway and walkway:

   Pressure cleaning your cement driveway can add a new shine to your property instantly. If your driveway is made of grass or dirt, it might be time to consider laying cement down. Another option that’s less expensive is to use stones you can purchase at any major hardware store. Stone add an elegant surprise to your home’s exterior.

6. Safe stairs and entryway:

   If your home has stairs to walk up or down to the front door or a railing /banister, make sure that the steps are all structurally sound, this is especially needed in brick steps. Also, double check your banister or railing, be sure that it does not sway back and forth and is sturdy, if not, a screwdriver or drill will come in handy for safety.

7. Liven up the flower beds:

   Create an inviting home with colorful flowers in the front garden or near the front door to revitalize your curb appeal. Some great tips include: Add 2 Large matching planters at the beginning at the stairs or at the front door entrance. If you don’t have enough space on your porch use one larger planter in a corner

8. Update your hardware:

   Sometimes we are so busy fixing and updating the obvious things that we forget the more simple things. Here are a few places that are often overlooked however, never should be: house numbers, lighting fixtures, doorknobs and last but not least, the mailbox. Small, quick and easy fix are cost effective and instantly make the area around your door stand out.

9. Add outdoor art:

   Give your yard a little spunk and curb appeal by adding weather-resistant artwork. Choose pieces that complement your home’s natural palette and exterior elements. Birdbaths, metal cutouts, sculptures, and wind chimes are good choices for outdoor art. Water sculptures not only function as yard art, but the burbling sounds soothe and make hot days feel cooler. Place fountains on level ground in optimum hearing and sight vantage points.