More than 70 percent of homebuyers aid that curb appeal was important when choosing their new home, according to a 2013 National Association of Realtors survey.
When it comes to real estate, the exterior of your home is not just memorable, but can even affect the sale of your home. If you’re in the market to sell your home, it’s important that you make a good first impression — and this starts with your homes curb appeal. If the curb appeal of your home is attractive, potential buyers will be more inclined to come in and see the rest of your home. Below are some ways to improve your home’s curb appeal.
Wash Your Home’s Face
Just like you wouldn’t apply makeup to your face before you have washed it, your home’s face is no different. Before you paint your home or plant that row of shrubs, be sure you wash any mildew, dirt and grunge off the exterior of your home. You can do this with a long-handled brush with soft bristles and a bucket of hot, soapy water.
Use the brush and water to gently clean off dirt and dust that has accumulated on your home’s brick, vinyl, stucco, fiber cement, metal or wood siding. You can also rent a power washer to clean off your flagstone walkways. Be sure to clear your eaves of cobwebs, wash both sides of your windows, clean your garage door and hose down downspouts.
Add Inviting Outdoor Lighting
You can welcome guests and increase their safety after dusk by lighting up your entryway that leads to your home. Not to mention, soft outdoor lighting gives your home a friendlier and inviting look while enhancing your landscaping and other exterior home features you would like guests to see when they approach your home.
Paint Your Front Door
Your front door stands out and you also want this to look inviting and friendly. Choose your front-door colors wisely. You don’t want to apply a color that is too bold or boring. Think about the area of the country where you’re house is. A turquoise might work well in a coastal or tropical area of the country, but not in the southwest, where spicy, burnt orange tones might be better. Think about the masses and what they would like.
Don’t Forget the Garage Door
Your garage door can take up as much of your home’s real estate space as 40 percent. If you don’t want to purchase a brand new garage door, be sure that you apply a new coat of paint.
Spruce your Side Yard Up
Do you have a side yard? The side yard is often neglected and can be a huge eyesore. Clear out weeds and perhaps put up an attractive fence or lay a stone path out to camouflage this eyesore.
Fix Up Your Roof
Your roof is just as much important as the rest of your home and is definitely a curb appeal item potential buyers will be looking at. If your roof is streaked, dingy or missing shingles, you should repair it. At minimum, at least clean your roof off if you can’t afford a roof repair or replacement. If you need one, replacing your roof can significantly improve your home’s curb appeal.
Light Up Your Landscape
You can add solar light fixtures to your walkway which are easy to install and affordable. Use them to accent the best attributes of your home (walking paths, landscaping, custom fixtures, etc.).
Don’t Forget the Garage Door
Your garage door can take up as much of your home’s real estate space as 40 percent. If you don’t want to purchase a brand new garage door, be sure that you apply a new coat of paint.
You might want to have a friend, family member, neighbor or professional to come over and give you a second opinion on your home’s curb appeal. It can be easy to overlook chipped paint, small defects, stained or cracked steps or cobwebs and having that second pair of eyes can help you clean and fix the things you missed.
Once you sell your home and buy a new one, don’t forget to update your homeowners insurance. At Bolt Insurance Agency, we’re here to help.
