If you are looking to sell your home, the exterior is the first part of the property that potential buyers will see and this is where curb appeal comes into play. Curb appeal usually refers to the attractiveness of a property as seen from the street and it also affects the property’s value. A home can be valued higher if the curb appeal is great, so improving it is very important in ensuring that your property sells well.
Clear the clutter
Clear all eyesores from the exterior of your home. These things can be empty planters, dead bushes and old lawn furniture, among other things. If you are removing a lot from your lawn, consider selling, recycling or keeping them in a storage.
If your lawn has a walkway, you should keep it clear and make sure that it is easily visible. Try not to leave things lying around that people might find unattractive or unnecessary. You might also want to place the garbage and recycling bins out of sight.
Take care of the landscaping
The landscaping of your lawn is a huge part of your curb appeal. Make sure that it is always well-manicured and in top condition. Prune the bushes and trees, and take good care of shrubs and flowers. Lighting also does a lot to bring out the beauty of the landscaping when it is dark.
If you really want to give your lawn a professional makeover, hiring a custom landscaper will surely help.
Focus on the front door
Having your front door stand out from the rest of the property can boost your curb appeal. One easy and inexpensive way to do this is to paint your door, which you can also do on your own. Do not go for a color that contrasts that of the rest of your home’s exterior, but opt for one that complements the exterior’s colors. You might want to replace the door entirely if it already seems worn out.
Consider the lighting around the door as well and make sure the lights accentuate the door at night. Do not forget to place a friendly and welcoming doormat.
Clean the house exterior
You can start by sweeping off dirt and cobwebs from the top down. Afterwards, wash the walls with a pressure washer or a garden hose. If you are not using a pressure washer, scrub the walls with a solution made of non-phosphate detergent and water using a long-handled brush. Similar to the sweeping, rinse the walls from the top down.
Avoid driving water up under the siding while cleaning the walls. Also, make sure that you do not spray electrical wires, outlets, windows, and light fixtures.
Improving your home’s curb appeal is not only about attracting potential buyers — you can also choose to do this even if you do not plan on selling your home any time soon. After all, the exterior is what people see first about a home and it can communicate a lot about the people who reside there. Impressions matter, so make sure to take good care of your home’s curb appeal whether or not you are looking to sell it.
