• Refresh the exterior with a new coat of paint to make it look new.
• Enhance the landscaping with trees, flowers, rock gardens, and fencing to make it more inviting.
• Invest in new windows, gutters, shutters, and siding to improve functionality and look.
• Small changes can make a big difference quickly if done correctly with professional help.
First impressions are everything, and the same goes for your home. When selling your house, the exterior or “curb appeal” of your property can make all the difference in terms of its value. Enhancing curb appeal can also increase the enjoyment that you and your guests take from your home. About 75% of potential buyers decide to purchase a home based solely on their initial reaction, so it pays off to invest in your exterior.
Read on and explore ways to improve your home’s curb appeal and increase its value.
1. Painting the Exterior
The first step in increasing curb appeal is to give the exterior of your house a fresh coat of paint or touch up any areas that may have become faded over time. Because many homes have exterior materials that may not be suitable for traditional paint, you should consider hiring exterior painting services who are familiar with specialized exterior coatings designed to withstand the elements. This can give your exterior a much-needed boost to make it look like new again.
One tip for choosing a color is to look at other homes in the neighborhood and pick something similar but with a twist. A contrasting door color can liven up an otherwise plain facade while still fitting in with its surroundings. When selecting paint colors, focus on muted earth tones rather than bright hues—these shades will blend into nature better and create a more inviting entranceway. Buyers will be attracted to the look of a freshly painted house and may even be willing to pay more for it.
2. Adding New Landscaping
Curb appeal isn’t just about how good your house looks—it’s also about how appealing its surroundings are. Adding new landscaping can spruce up the area surrounding your home, making it look more well-kept while adding functionality like additional privacy or shade options. Try the following ideas to improve your landscaping:
a. Plant a few trees.
Trees provide shade and wind protection and can add a great deal of aesthetically pleasing foliage to your yard. You should research trees native to your area to ensure that they will thrive in the local climate, and be sure to choose a variety of trees to get a mixture of colors and shapes.
b. Install a rock garden.
A more modern option, rock gardens are composed of various stones to add visual interest and a textured look to your yard. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could add an outdoor water feature for a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere.
c. Add some flowers.
Flowers will bring vivid colors to your yard and can even attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies. Plant flowers native to your area so they will thrive in the local climate, and consider planting in containers to add an extra touch of style.
d. Install a fence.
A fence can provide privacy and security while adding aesthetic appeal to your yard. You should consider the style of your home when selecting a fence design. Some popular options include split rail, picket, and privacy fences.
3. Additions & Upgrades
If you’re looking for more permanent additions to improve your home’s aesthetic and functional value, consider investing in new windows, gutters, shutters, or siding. These items may seem minor compared to larger projects like painting or landscaping, but they are essential in ensuring that potential buyers (or visitors) get a favorable first impression when they come by your house. Not only do they help protect against weather damage, but they also make sure that people feel welcome when approaching your front door!
Many of these upgrades can be done yourself, but if you’re not sure how to get started, it may be worth hiring a professional to ensure the job is done correctly and efficiently. For example, a professional should install or replace windows to guarantee proper sealing and insulation. Don’t forget to double-check that any underlying infrastructure is also up-to-date, including ensuring your roof and gutters are in good condition and don’t require any repairs or replacements.
Increasing curb appeal doesn’t need to be expensive; small changes such as planting flowers around the perimeter of your yard or power washing any outdoor surfaces can make a big difference in how attractive it looks from the street view. And best of all? It doesn’t take long—most improvements take just a few hours (or even minutes) to complete! So don’t wait any longer—improve your home’s curb appeal today and enjoy its increased value in no time.
