The Complete Homeowner's Guide to Curb Appeal
While first impressions aren’t everything, they sure are important when it comes to selling your house. The first impression that a person will have of your home is the exterior. While many of us will spend thousands of dollars and countless hours perfecting the interior, the exterior should also be held in high regard.
Whether you’ve just purchased your dream home or are looking to sell your well-loved house, curb appeal should never go overlooked. Investing some time and effort upfront to prepare your home for sale will greatly increase the likelihood of receiving good, quick offers upon listing.
In this helpful guide, we take a closer look at the importance of curb appeal and subtle changes that can help your home make a lasting first impression.
The Importance of Curb Appeal
Curb appeal is always #1.
Potential buyers have seen your home listing photos online, but what will they see when they view your home in-person?
When a potential buyer arrives at your home for a viewing and finds a home that is well cared for, they generally walk inside with a hopeful and positive mindset. But if, instead, they see a home that needs clean-up, repairs or it appears to have been “listed in a hurry", they could walk in with a more negative mindset. A mindset of ‘this home needs work’, could affect their willingness to put in an offer or even the amount that they are willing to spend.
With the right approach to curb appeal, you can truly maximize the potential of your homes’ exterior. In fact, curb appeal can help to:
Boost the value of your home
Increase appeal for potential buyers
Extend your living space outdoors
Above all, the curb appeal of your home can help you take pride in your house and really fall in love with both the look and feel.
Subtle Changes to Improve the Curb Appeal of Your Home
Are you ready to boost the curb appeal of your home? Here are 10 subtle changes that you can make!
1. Replace Hardware
Simply updating hardware such as doorknobs, house numbers and even the mailbox can really help to boost your curb appeal. Especially if the hardware in question is outdated, damaged or aged in appearance.
2. Paint the Door
Painting your front door can really help to brighten up the entryway of your home. Especially if the current paint is flaking, scuffed or outdated. To find the best paint colour for your front door, take a photo of your home and visit your local hardware store. One of the experts may be able to help you find the perfect palette for your outdoor space.
3. Create Symmetry
With the right planning and approach, you can create a balanced look based on symmetry. Take all elements into consideration, from furniture on the porch to the landscape design and everything in between.
4. Add Decor
Add character, personality and style to your curb appeal with the right decor. We suggest starting with something as simple as a doormat, and continuing with porch furniture, decorative pillows, seasonal pots and planters, a welcome sign, lanterns, and even a water feature, such as a bird bath or water fountain.
5. Prioritize Landscaping
Landscaping can play an important part in your overall curb appeal. We suggest that, no matter the existing landscaping, that you start from scratch. You may need to update the elements and design that is already in place, to further maximize the available space.
Take certain factors into consideration, such as your budget, personal preferences, symmetry, and maintenance. You may want to include a new walkway, flower garden, revamped driveway, or an irrigation system to keep plants watered and flourishing.
6. Install Outdoor Lights
Exterior illumination can take your curb appeal from good to jaw-dropping. Consider adding lights to your walkway, fences, garden, and even the side of your home. When taking safety and function into consideration, a motion-sensored light system can also prove to be quite beneficial.
With a little illumination, the elements and overall structure of your home will be highlighted, resulting in an elegant glow and upscale look.
7. Clean and Declutter
Nothing can put a damper on your curb appeal quite like dirty surfaces, clutter and garbage. Put your gardening gloves on, grab a trash bag and let’s get to work! Start by walking around your property and pick up any trash or debris that may be lingering. Something simple as a candy wrapper can really have an effect on your curb appeal.
Once the garbage has been disposed of, it’s time to take a look at the furniture and other decorative elements. Take time to consider if a piece of decor or furniture is really adding to the look, feel and function of your home, or simply feels out of place. If it feels like clutter, you may opt to move it to the backyard, dispose of it or sell it online!
The finishing touches? Power wash your siding, walkways, windows, and driveway, along with any other surfaces that could benefit from a deep cleaning.
8. Care for Your Lawn
Is your lawn starting to brown? It may be time to invest in lawn care to help achieve lush and prosperous grass. Be sure to water, mow, aerate, and fertilize your lawn as needed, while also prioritizing weed control.
9. Update Paint, Siding and Trim
If you have the means to update your exterior paint, siding, trim, and even windows, this may be the perfect opportunity. This can help to improve the aesthetic of your home, while also adding to the functionality and value as well.
10. Add Planters or Hanging Plants
Bring your curb appeal to life with plants and flowers! You may want to add potted plants, a stylish seasonal planter or hanging baskets, based on your personal preferences and the layout of your porch.
We suggest noting which areas of your porch receive light and find plants that can either surface in harsh sunlight or thrive in the shade. This simple precaution can help to ensure that your plants survive the season and your investment stretches as far as possible.
Take Your Curb Appeal Further
Looking to take your curb appeal even further? Try going for a walk around the neighbourhood for additional inspiration. Once you have a better idea of the look you would like to achieve, online platforms such as Pinterest can act as a great resource.
Selling Your Home with Lisa Cox Real Estate
Is it time to sell your home? For help with staging your home, perfecting curb appeal, listing your home, and finding the perfect buyer, contact Lisa Cox Real Estate today. With years of experience and hundreds of homes sold in the Hamilton-Halton region and surrounding areas, I am more than happy to help you navigate this journey successfully.
Are you preparing for a sale this spring? Get your helpful pre-listing checklist today!
