First impressions of your home matter, especially when trying to sell a home before a relocation. However, boosting curb appeal can go a long way towards impressing potential buyers. Houses with good curb appeal can increase a home’s value by 7% or more, and it doesn’t involve emptying your bank account or taking out a home equity loan. Here are five inexpensive ways to boost your home’s curb appeal and help it to move faster on the market.
1. Paint (or Replace) the Front Door
Ideally, you want the front door to be in tip-top shape. In many cases, all this requires is a new coat of paint if the door is still in good condition. However, replacing it would be a worthwhile investment if a door is warped, dented, or otherwise damaged. In addition, a home’s front door is its welcome mat (which, btw a new one would also be an excellent inexpensive addition), so you want it to look its best.
2. Invest in Landscaping
A little landscaping goes a long way. Homeowners that take the time to keep their lawns, gardens, and other outdoor spaces tidy demonstrate to buyers that they take pride in their homes, both inside and out. Easy remedies done either by hiring a professional or by taking the DIY route include:
- Routine mowing
- Spreading new grass seed to fill in “bald spots”
- Pruning trees and shrubs
- Adding color with florals
- Spreading fresh mulch
- Removing weeds and dead branches
Are you selling a home in the off-season? In that case, you’ll want to clear fallen leaves, keep any snow neatly plowed, and add seasonal plants to your entryway, along with these five additional tips.
3. Install a New Mailbox or Spruce Up an Existing One
A mailbox is one of the first things home seekers see as they pull up to the house. If the existing mailbox is dingy, replace it with a new one. However, freshen its post with fresh paint or stain and add new house numbers if the box is in good condition. Another way to boost its appearance is to frame a small garden around the mailbox and plant some color or pretty groundcover greenery.
4. Clean Up the Driveway and Walkways
Driveways with oil spots or other stains are unsightly. Apply a good cleaner or other remedy to clean off concrete surfaces and give it a power wash. For a blacktop driveway, have a professional come clean and reseal it.
5. Clear Out Gutters
Gutters stuffed with leaves and other debris not only look terrible, but they can also lead to destructive events affecting the home. Routinely clean out gutters and ensure rainwater and melted snow can flow easily. If water backs up, it can lead to sagging gutters, water flow inside the home, algae growth, and, eventually, mold problems. Buyers who see overflowing gutters will likely think the house is poorly maintained.
Moving Made Easy
Homeowners looking to make a quick sale on their house can help the process by boosting the curb appeal of their home by making a few minor, aesthetic changes. If you want to sell your home quickly without breaking the bank, try the above tips because buyers see more worth in homes that look nice.
Are you looking to move to your new home? Contact us today for a free quote! We’re happy to work with you within your selling and buying timeline.