5 Simple Ideas for Curb Appeal That Sell

Thinking about selling your home – maybe now or in the future? If so, chances are you’re probably wondering what improvements you need to make in order to increase your home’s market value or increase its marketability.

While many people focus on kitchen renovations, a fresh coat of paint on the walls, and a sparkling new master bath to bring more value to their home, there’s another thing you should consider as well: your home’s curb appeal and the marketability of your home. After all, it’s the first thing someone sees when they visit your home. If the outside of your home is less than appealing, there’s a chance a potential buyer might skip right over it, even if the inside is beautiful. 

Curb Appeal and Marketability 

Surprising as it may be, putting a little sweat equity into your curb appeal may actually help you when your home’s value is being appraised, as well as its marketability. Your home’s curb appeal – otherwise known as how the property looks in comparison to other surrounding homes – is one of several factors an appraiser may consider when placing a dollar value on your home.

Additionally, landscaping accounts for 85% of what buyers first see when looking at your home – so it’s easy to see how it could affect your home’s marketability, both positively and negatively. 

So before you get started, here are couple of things to keep in mind.  

Don't Spend Too Much 

With that said, it’s important to understand that great landscaping can only take you so far when it comes to improving it’s marketability. 

No need to do anything too extravagant, because that would likely cost you an arm and a leg, and chances are, you won’t see that return when selling your home, even if it does increase the home value some. Too much landscaping could deter someone from purchasing the home just because of the overwhelming upkeep they may envision.

However, there are some wonderful ways you can increase your home’s curb appeal and in turn, help you gain a competitive edge when listing your home for sale. 

Check in with Your HOA 

If you live in a neighborhood with a homeowner's association (HOA), it’s important to engage with a contact within the HOA before making any exterior improvements to your home. Many HOAs have rules in place that require homeowners to seek approval before taking on any project that affects the look of your home or yard, or anything that could potentially affect your neighbors. 

Improving Curb Appeal 

So your home needs some exterior love, but maybe you aren’t sure where to begin. Remember, small changes can make a big impact, and you don’t have to spend a ton of money to achieve great results. Read on for specific ways you can increase your home’s curb appeal.

Spring cleaning: One of the simplest, yet most effective, ways you can improve your home’s appearance is to tidy up outside. This includes everything from giving your windows a nice wash, removing mildew from the siding with a power washer, cleaning out the gutters, and making sure there aren’t any unsightly spider webs or other markings on your home’s exterior.

Create a warm welcome: Does your entryway make you want to turn around and run in the opposite way? It doesn’t have to. Here are a few simple fixes that can make visitors want to come inside — because surely the inside of your home will be gorgeous if your front door is this welcoming. 

• Add a fresh coat of paint on your front door in an appealing color that complements your home’s style. 

• You may also want to repaint the trim around the front door to freshen it up, especially if it’s peeling or discolored. 

• Add a few potted plants on either side of the front door or on the porch steps. 

• Hang a seasonal wreath on your front door, but use a wreath hanger rather than adding a nail into the door. 

Dress up your driveway: Chances are, you barely notice your driveway and its flaws. However, you should be prepared for a potential buyer to notice every crack, stain or piece of grass popping up in its path. Fortunately, there are several ways you can make improvements without investing a ton of money into the project. 

• Use a leaf blower to rid dirt, decaying leaves, and other loose debris from the driveway, and then follow up with a power washer to remove caked-on dirt and other stains. 

• For oil spills, there are several DIY methods for removing these stains, one of which is to use household laundry detergent. 

• If your driveway isn’t paved, you can still make it look presentable by adding bricks, pebbles, pavers or even stamped concrete (though it can cost more). 

Lean on your landscaping: Don’t underestimate the power of a lush lawn when it comes to increasing your home’s curb appeal. This doesn’t mean you need to run out and have sod installed. With a little sweat equity and patience, you can whip your lawn into shape. Just be sure to research the best time to plant grass, add fertilizer, and how much you should be watering your lawn based on your geographic location.

If you’re planning to sell your home soon, and don’t have the time to invest in a strict lawn care regimen, making sure you keep your grass cut and removing grass and weeds that are overgrown on the sidewalk and driveway with an edger will go a long way toward creating a picturesque yard.  

The Final Touch 

Once you’ve taken care of more pressing projects to improve your home’s exterior, you can take it one step further by planting flowers or shrubbery as part of your landscaping. While optional, adding some color to your front yard can make it appear more inviting. If you’re gardening-challenged and have trouble keeping plants alive, consider those that are very low-maintenance – or consider hiring a landscaper – to ensure they flourish.

Whether you take advantage of all the ideas listed above or only a few, any improvements you make to your home’s exterior is sure to increase the curb appeal. And as always Atlantic Bay is here to help with all your mortgage needs!