First Impressions Last: Tips to Upgrading Your Curb Appeal

While it’s crucial to spend time and money on the interior of your house, upgrading your curb appeal will help you attract more buyers. Curb appeal is the level of appeal that a property has when viewed from the street. It is what gives potential homebuyers their first impression of a house before they even walk up the pathway or open the front door. Areas to consider include the yard, the condition of the paintwork and siding, the roof, the driveway, the front door, and even the mailbox and house number. First impressions last.

Front Yard Landscaping

Maximizing “curb appeal” with front yard landscaping is the first tip and should be your priority. Improvements to your landscaping can be as simple or as complicated as you choose. The quality of the lawn, landscaping, and any other greenery near the front of the property makes a huge impact on the aesthetic appeal of your house. Burnt grass or dirt areas make the house look neglected. If your grass is in a bad way, you may want to consider artificial turf. The charm that most people seek is created by the location of the plant life with fascinating textures, blooming flowers, and appropriate sizes creating a focal point in your garden.

Driveway, Walkway, and Fencing

Weed-infested or cracked driveways do not reflect well on your property. You may choose to reseal the driveway or alternatively, repair the problem areas only.

Consider a curving walkway rather than a straight one, depending on the form of your yard and plant beds. It has a more relaxed feel to it, and visitors will feel like they are transported as they stroll through the flowers and shrubs to your front door. Make sure weeds are kept away and trim edges neatly.

A classic picket fence adds a sense of homeliness and timelessness to your yard, increasing its curb appeal. Picket fences offer the extra benefit of seeming light and airy, while not dominating or blocking your yard’s view.

Roof

Replacing your roof can lead to positive returns as a buyer will not likely want to think about roof repairs or refurbs on his new purchase.  The roof may not seem like a big deal, but it is an important part of creating the overall look of a well-maintained house.

First Impressions Last: General Exterior

Make sure your paintwork and siding look fresh and clean. Power cleaning can assist with this. Your front door is the gateway to the interior, so make sure it is in good condition. Rather than replacing the door totally, invest in a fresh coat of paint to bring it up to date. A new door is definitely money well spent if you’re searching for a more long-term solution. Don’t forget the windows and gutters. They play a significant role in curb appeal, whether they need to be fixed, cleaned, or added. If your mailbox is in front of your home, replacing an old one will improve the overall appearance and increase your curb appeal. House numbers that are old, faded, or broken should be replaced.

Some of these projects may be more expensive than you anticipated, but they can have a significant impact on the sale price of your home. While it’s crucial to spend time and money on the interior, upgrading your curb appeal will help you to attract more potential buyers.