When you’re selling your home, first impressions matter. According to a study by the National Association of Realtors, 63% of buyers are willing to pay more for a home with excellent curb appeal. The good news is improving your home’s exterior is easy and inexpensive. Here are a few tips to boost curb appeal and make a great first impression on potential buyers.
1. Start with the Entryway to Boost Curb Appeal
The front door is the focal point of a home’s exterior, so make sure it’s in excellent shape. If the door looks worn or faded, apply a fresh coat of paint to complement the rest of your home. Replace hardware that looks dated or rusted. Clean the front porch light fixtures and replace existing light bulbs with brighter and more efficient LEDs. Add solar path lights to your front walkway for safety and improved curb appeal after dark. Purchase a new doormat to make your home seem friendly and inviting.
2. Improve the Landscaping
Well-manicured landscaping goes a long way in boosting curb appeal. Trim overgrown trees, shrubs, and hedges, and pull weeds in the flower beds. If you don’t have time to tackle the landscaping yourself, hire a professional lawn care company to do it for you. Just be sure to get an estimate beforehand so you understand how much it will cost.
3. Power Wash Your Home
A power washer is a relatively inexpensive tool that makes a huge difference in curb appeal. If you don’t own one, rent a machine from a local home improvement or hardware store. Use it to remove dirt, grime, or mildew from your home’s siding, walkways, deck, and patio furniture. Just be careful not to damage surfaces while you’re power washing. The wrong settings could lead to cracked siding, splintering wood, or broken windows.
4. Boost Curb Appeal with Flowers
Brighten the property by adding color with flowers and greenery in planters. Window boxes are a great way to boost curb appeal without breaking the bank and can be installed around the house. Containers and planters are also great options; choose ones that complement your home’s style and landscaping. Place planters with greenery on the decks, the front porch, and around the patio.
5. Clean the Gutters and Downspouts
Keep the gutters clean year-round so the guttering will effectively funnel water off your roof. Remove leaves, pine needles, twigs, and other debris so the channels won’t overflow. Gutters clogged with leaves are unattractive and more likely to rust, crack, and pull away from the home, making the property look poorly maintained.
These tips will help you boost curb appeal and make a great first impression on potential buyers without breaking the bank.
Horizon Inspection Services offers home inspections to home buyers and sellers in Arizona. Contact us to schedule an appointment for our services.