If you want the best possible results from your home sale, the place to start is on the outside. This focus on the exterior is often referred to as creating “curb appeal,” and it is crucial to making a lasting and positive first impression on potential buyers.
Here are some of the best tips and tricks to help improve the curb appeal of your home before you sell.
The Importance of Curb Appeal
Simply put, curb appeal is the visual appearance and attractiveness of a property for sale and its surroundings as seen from the street. When a potential buyer drives by your home to scope it out, they may be persuaded by the appearance. Or they may run for the hills.
A poorly maintained, outdated or simply unattractive exterior can put the entire sale at risk. Potential buyers may not even give your home a second thought or they may offer considerably less than asking. Without a neutral look and clean aesthetic, your buyer may be left with a sour taste in their mouth.
If that happens, buyers typically walk away without so much as a hint of interest. In the off chance that they come back later on, they will likely try to negotiate for a much lower price, which means you are not maximizing the full value of your home. This, of course, is the bad news.
Fortunately, a few small upgrades are often all you need to create a neutral, clean, and attractive property. Now, curb appeal is a selling point that works in your favour, especially if any competing sellers near you have not taken this step.
See Your Home Through the Buyer’s Eyes
While you can never appeal to everyone, the goal is to design your home in a way that pleases the vast majority of buyers who come to visit in person. Improving your curb appeal helps to provide a clean slate for potential buyers to imagine their own lives in the space.
Prospective buyers should be able to effectively visualize the improvements that they could make and how they would accessorize and decorate to add their own personal flair to the home. Most importantly, you want to enable them to see their own family living there.
When you’ve lived in a house for a long time, you may be used to the tiny imperfections to the point where you don’t even see (or smell) them anymore.
- That broken step doesn’t bother you – you just skip over it.
- You’ve glanced past the unmaintained flower garden a thousand times.
- The dirt on the siding isn’t that bad. Or is it?
Take some time to view your property from the buyer’s perspective. To do this effectively, bring in a neutral third party who won’t hesitate to point out what you might be missing. An experienced real estate agent is the perfect choice for this.
Without fail, we can always find a few things that can be updated, maintained or cleaned to help improve the curb appeal. The smallest details might end up having the most impact once the offers start coming in! Here are a few things to watch out for:
Exterior Maintenance and Cleanup Checklist
Not sure where to begin? Think simplicity, safety and cleanliness when sprucing up the exterior of your home. If a minor update can add resale value, even better! Below are some of the main elements that are near and dear to the hearts of most potential buyers.
Roof
The roof is a big one. If it’s been decades since your roof was revamped, it leaks when it rains or it appears unattractive, you should look to have it repaired before putting your house on the market – especially if it’s missing any shingles.
Far too many potential buyers will not even look at a home when there are problems with the roof. Not only will fixing any issues help improve curb appeal, but it will also help raise the value of your home.
Siding
After a long winter or particularly wet spring, the siding of your house can get a little on the dirty side. This is a flaw that you likely don’t even notice anymore in your day to day life. However, buyers will notice – if only subconsciously.
Now is a great time to grab your power washer and get to work. You might be surprised at what a sparkling clean exterior can do for the aesthetic of your home!
Clean the Windows
Sparkling clean windows make a home look cared for and can let in more natural light, enhancing the interior's appeal. Don’t forget to clean both the inside and outside of the windows.
Deck
Decks and patios aren’t just about lounging outdoors. They are where you form many memories. A well-maintained deck can even help to create the perception of greater square footage!
Since you already have your pressure washer out, give the deck or patio a good soak as well. If that doesn’t help improve the look, it might be time to stain and seal.
Walkways & Driveway
Are the stones or pavers in your walkway broken or chipped? After enough time passes, your driveway may be more rocks and rubble than smooth asphalt.
Upgrading the walkway and driveway is more than just about aesthetics and boosting property value; it’s about safety, too. Anything that looks like it might be hazardous is an instant turnoff to buyers, especially those with families.
Your local real estate agent can recommend a contractor to repair or reseal your driveway. This upgrade is just one more subtle effect that will make a potential buyer’s eyes pop with interest.
House Numbers
Your house numbers should always be clean, bright and easy to read. If it’s been a while since they were last updated, now is the time. Consider the style of your home when choosing the new numbers for an added effect.
Backlit house numbers make it easy for friends and visitors to find you. They also add a lot of visual appeal. This is one very minor upgrade that can go a long way to impressing potential buyers.
Furniture
Old and dingy outdoor furniture can diminish the curb appeal of a home, especially if everything else is neat and tidy. Either use this time to invest in some new furniture for when you move or toss the old stuff.
Landscaping
Landscaping is arguably the most important part of creating desirable curb appeal. Brown grass with bald spots and flower gardens that have gone wild, combined with weeds, leaves, sticks and everything else, can completely change the way a buyer sees your house.
Your lawn and yard might look like a disaster, but you’d be surprised at what you can accomplish over a short weekend. Grab a pair of gloves – and possibly a friend to help – and start pulling weeds and cutting the grass.
Aerating, watering and fertilizing your lawn will make it even more green and beautiful. Planting fresh flowers and trimming the hedges add the perfect finishing touches. A little TLC can go a long way to transforming the outside of your home!
Lighting
Have you ever noticed the difference between a house that has exterior lighting and one that doesn’t? Illuminating walkways, driveways, flower gardens and the physical exterior of your home can highlight your home’s best features and provide a welcoming ambiance. This also makes your home look more inviting, especially during evening showings.
More lighting can also improve safety and even deter trespassers. Thanks to solar lights and torches, you can add beauty and illumination without additional charges on your hydro bill.
Add Decorative Elements
Simple decorative elements like a welcome mat, potted plants, or a seasonal wreath can add warmth and personality to your entryway. These small touches can make a big difference in how buyers perceive your home.
Clear All Clutter & Garbage
You’ve worked hard to transform your home’s exterior into an outdoor oasis. Let’s not ruin the effect by allowing clutter to accumulate.
It’s time to pack away all of your garden tools, bikes, old pots, garbage cans and recycling bins into a shed or neatly organized in the garage. It goes without saying that broken furniture or discarded accessories do not belong in your front yard. You can often arrange for their disposal by calling the city.
Periodically, you’ll also want to get outside to remove any sticks, leaves or other debris that blows into your yard. Take a few minutes each week to keep your home looking as neat and tidy as possible.
Seasonal Curb Appeal
Contrary to popular belief, you can create gorgeous curb appeal in the wintertime. Simply committing to keeping your yard free of snow and ice will go a long way to making your home appear well-maintained and cared for.
Those outdoor lights are more valuable than ever in brightening your exterior during shorter daylight hours. A few pieces of seasonal yet neutral decor can add warmth and ambiance to your home no matter how cold it gets outside. You can also consider a few evergreens and other weather-resistant plants to add greenery and life all winter long.
Reach Out for Support
Have you completed many of the steps above, but still aren’t sure if your house is ready to hit the market? Feel free to contact Emma who would be happy to discuss with you on how to improve the curb appeal of your home.
