Home Curb Appeal

If you are planning on selling your home, there are a lot of actions that you can take to ensure that your home is appealing both inside and out. While the interior of a home is important, the exterior of it is the first impression that potential buyers encounter. Improving this curb appeal, or the exterior aesthetics of a home, will elicit a positive reaction from buyers.

First impressions can only be made once, so it is critical to present your home in the most appealing way to prospective buyers. These following tips will help you ensure that your home looks great from a distance, whether that be in-person or online.

Clean Outer Walls and Windows

Dirt and grime from the outside elements can build up on exterior surfaces, leading to cloudy windows and gunk accumulating. Glass cleaner can be used to clear up windows and soapy water will eliminate buildup on outer walls, leaving your home glistening. Mold and mildew can also start to grow on siding, leaving undesirable stains. There are many options to kill this unwanted growth, from homemade remedies to products available for purchase in home improvement stores/online.

Fresh Coat of Paint

Whether it be on the exterior, window trims or front door, a fresh coat of paint can make your home stand out amongst the rest. However, painting elements of your home colors that do not match surrounding homes or the ones in your neighborhood may have a negative impact on buyer perception and the home’s value. A fresh coat of paint should be a face-lift for your home, rather than a full makeover.

Clean and Repair the Roof

If your roof is dirty or missing shingles, it could negatively impact the value of your home. Don’t worry, this does not mean you need to replace the entire roof. Some basic repairs, such as replacing damaged shingles and cleaning debris from gutters, can make your roof have the appearance of a new one.

Landscaping

Trimming bushes and tending to flower beds will give your house a fresh and new feeling. If possible, it is helpful to ensure that windows are unobstructed, letting more natural light enter inside your home as well as improving its facade. This can be done by pruning disorderly bushes or trees. Replacing mulch and planting flowers are also great ways to liven up your landscaping.

Lawn Care

If you have an overgrown front lawn, it will be the first thing prospective buyers see. Keeping your lawn trimmed and free of weeds is critical in the presentation of a home’s exterior. The length that a lawn should be trimmed depends on the season. This is done to ensure the health of the grass. In the summer, lawn-mowing height should be between 3 and 3.5 inches, allowing the soil to retain water in the hotter months. During cooler months, the mowing height can be dropped a half-inch.

Outdoor Lighting

A lot of home showings take place in the evenings, and outdoor lighting can elevate your home’s presentation in these darker hours of the day. There are many ways to illuminate the outside of your home, from lights lining walkways to spotlights that highlight beautiful landscaping elements. A dimly-lit home appears uninviting, so giving the opposite impression will be beneficial in selling your home.

By implementing some of the strategies above, you can improve your home’ exterior—and potentially sell it faster! 

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