Guests who visit your house, and those who are thinking about buying it, will form an impression within seconds. Sprucing up your home’s exterior can create the type of impression you want. If you’re planning to sell your house, boosting its curb appeal can help you sell it for your asking price, or possibly even more.
Cut the Grass and Trim the Hedges
An unkempt yard can immediately create a negative impression. If you’ve put lawn maintenance on the back burner, now is the time to make it a priority and get your yard back in shape. Mow the lawn (no more than one-third at a time to avoid damaging the grass) and trim the bushes and hedges. If you don’t know how to do something, don’t have the right equipment or aren’t physically able to do it yourself, ask someone to help or hire a professional landscaper.
Repaint the Front Door, Window Trim and Shutters
A door that has been damaged or worn by years of exposure to harsh weather can send the wrong message to potential buyers. A fresh coat of paint may be all it takes to make your door look like new. Consider changing the color to make your house more inviting and memorable to prospective buyers.
Windows and shutters can also get worn out and make your home look unappealing. Some new paint can rejuvenate old windows and shutters. You may want to experiment with different colors in those areas, too.
Upgrade Exterior Lighting
The light fixtures outside your home can make it feel welcoming to guests and make it attractive to potential buyers. Exterior lighting can also reduce the likelihood of a slip-and-fall accident and make the house less likely to be targeted by burglars. Those factors can make your house more appealing to potential buyers.
Clean the Driveway and Walkway
The hard surfaces outside your home have probably accumulated a lot of dirt and grime over the years. You may be surprised to see how much a power washing can transform them. Before you get started, make sure that you know how to use a power washer correctly. Clean one inconspicuous area and check for signs of damage before you tackle the entire surface.
Replace the Mailbox and House Numbers
Guests and potential buyers will see your mailbox just before they pull into the driveway. If the mailbox is in poor condition, replace it to create a first positive impression.
The numbers on your house should be easy to read from a distance. If they’re too small or worn out, replace them so that your house will be easy to find and will look more attractive.
Spruce Up Your Home’s Exterior With Minimal Time and Money
Curb appeal is the first thing people notice about a house. Improving your home’s curb appeal doesn’t have to take a lot of time or strain your budget. These simple and affordable projects can make a big difference.
