Your home’s curb appeal significantly impacts a potential buyer’s decision-making process. Does the place look as though it’s been loved and cared for? Or is it barely passing the ‘shabby chic’ vibe? If you’re not sure what prospective buyers look for when searching for their next home, we’ve made a list of 5 handy hints on how you can improve your home’s curb appeal.
1. Bring out the green thumb!
It’s time to bring out your inner green thumb (or hire someone to do it for you!) Your front yard is one of the first thing people see, therefore, it’s important that it’s maintained so it can create a positive first impression. A well-maintained front garden will make a house look well cared for – and in buyers’ minds, a well-cared-for exterior means a well-kept interior
Caring for your garden doesn’t mean you have to pay thousands of dollars for a landscape gardener. A Garden Maintenance Professional can also help increase your home’s out aesthetic. They can assist with things like mowing lawns, trimming hedges and getting rid of any weeds. They can also plant some nice flowers or plants along your garden path as an easy way to impress potential buyers of your home.
Although redoing your whole landscaping can be pricey, it’s well worth it and can add up to 20 per cent to the value of your house. More minor adjustments can also be made, with potted flowers along windowsills adding a pop of colour or a layer of fresh mulch to give your garden a crisp, clean look.
2. Raise the roof
When you think about what makes for a good-looking house, your mind probably doesn’t immediately go to the roof. However, if the roof is old and has seen better days, repairing and repainting is a good investment for your property and its overall curb side appeal. It’s likely that potential buyers won’t pay top dollar for a property where they know they will have to fork out to replace the roof in a few years.
Another thing to consider is the colour of the roof. Experts say, “If your home is painted brightly, think about getting a darker roof to make it feel more neutral. Lighter tiles or materials are not thought to increase value in the same way that mid-tone or darker tiles or materials do. Additionally, lighter shingles age more quickly or develop stains than darker shingles.”
3. Freshen up the front door
Your front door is (quite literally!) the entrance to your home. If it’s looking a bit worse for wear, it might be time to give it a bit of a spruce-up. Your front door should make a statement about your home. Fix peeling paint, upgrade outdated door handles or even consider replacing the whole door.
Research what colour door would best suit your home before painting it without a second thought. For example, a 2018 study found that homes with black doors sold for $6,271 more than their estimated home value. However, if your door suffers from warping, cracked paint, rust or scratches, it might be time to consider a new one.
4. Clean up the exterior
You wouldn’t sell your car if it were dirty, so why sell your home without cleaning it? A thorough clean on the exterior of your property can work wonders in making a great first impression. There are plenty of changes – both big and small – that you can make to boost the appearance of your home and curb appeal. A complete re-cladding, re-rendering or re-painting will have the biggest impact on your house’s estimated value.
A handyman can help with some quick fixes that are relatively simple and can include pressure washing the exterior of your home and driveway to lift off any stubborn dirt and grime. Pressure washing any decks or patios will also make a significant difference to your place. They will highlight any areas that need work (e.g. areas of your deck that need replacing, parts of your property that need repainting, etc.).
After you’ve cleaned the exterior of your property, it’s time to consider other areas of your home that need attention. Your windows are a great place to start. Clean the windows inside and out, as well as the window frames and sills, as this can make your home appear brighter. It also allows for more natural light to enter the property.
5. Add the finishing touches
Just like the interior of your home, the exterior should be kept neat and tidy to entice prospective buyers. Keeping your garden clean is only a small part of it. To give your property curb appeal, you need to touch on every area people will see. If you’re not sure what you’re looking for, ask a friend or family member to go for a drive past your house and let you know what stands out to them the most. From here, you’ll see what you need to work on
Some small touches you can add include installing a new mailbox, replacing old house numbers and updating dated light fixtures. It’s also not a bad idea to look at adding some lighting to your driveway and walkway up to your house. It’s not uncommon for potential buyers to drive past your place at night, so having your home lit will give them an idea of what they can expect.
Lastly, the front entrance is your chance to make a great first impression. Adding potted plants or flowers for a pop of colour, a small chair and table set for taking off shoes, or even a fun doormat can up the aesthetic of your entranceway.
When selling your home, it’s crucial to focus on the curb appeal of your property rather than only considering the interior. Making changes to the exterior of your house is a great way to attract prospective buyers and make an appealing first impression. If you want to boost your home’s curb appeal, get in touch with the SellSmart team today.
