Curb appeal is the first impression a prospective buyer sees when looking to buy a house or business property. It is the exterior of a home, including all of the landscaping, driveway area, paths, walkways, front steps, and the entryway. Much like how people eat with their eyes first, the curb appeal is the first impression, and you only get one chance to get it right. That being said, there are ways to spruce it up and make it look like a million dollars without actually going broke.
Landscaping is arguably the most critical aspect of a curb appeal makeover. An appealing yard should be weed-free, with a beautiful coat of mulch surrounding flowers, trees, and bushes. Mowing the yard in a striped pattern is very eye-catching. Shrubs and trees should be nicely pruned away from the house, and relatively cut to the same form and size for a pleasing symmetrical effect. Hire a professional to remove weeds from in-between cement pavers. When choosing plants and flowers, pick local varieties that are low maintenance for the future owners.
Repair any cracks in the driveway, roof, and window frames, in addition to any other maintenance work. Never underestimate the value of a coat of paint. A pop of color on a door or a building’s exterior can give it a whole new lease on life. Black front doors can add thousands of dollars to a home’s value. Sometimes, instead of a fresh coat of paint, some buildings look brand new after a dose of power washing. Make sure you hit everything, from the walkways to the shutters.
Indirect lighting makes all the difference in the world, and there are now a ton of inexpensive energy-efficient outdoor lighting options for maximizing not only curb appeal, but also safety. Staging furniture, if possible, can spruce up a front porch or patio. If you have space, add a porch swing so new owners can visualize themselves relaxing. Other fixtures like a bird feeder or a new mailbox can make a house look twenty years younger. Not only will you attract more interest, but you will also increase your chances of getting offers that are higher than your asking price.