Why Curb Appeal Matters
They say you can’t judge a book by its cover, and while many of us try to abide by the notion, it’s hard not to be tempted by a first impression; this can be especially true when it comes to your home’s curb appeal. When potential buyers pull up to your home, what they see and feel will undoubtedly set the tone for their entire tour. Below you’ll find six tips courtesy of UpNest that will help you have your home looking its best.
Front Door
As the gateway to your residence, the front door should be among the first items you inspect for peeling paint, faulty hardware and other issues. If the door has seen better days, consider replacing it with a steel door (which range in cost from $1,000 to $1,200) to add value to your resale and help buyers feel a sense of positivity when they open it and step into the home.
Windows
Dirt and smudges are an eyesore, so it’s key to wash both the insides and outsides of all windows to make sure they sparkle. Consider adding a touch of color to shudders or extra flair in the form of flower boxes. If a fresh coat of paint is in your future, note that monochromatic palettes are trending.
Garage
Use the same approach you did with your front door to examine your garage and ask yourself the following questions: “Does the door need paint or repairs? Should it be replaced?” According to UpNest, sellers that invest $1,000 to $1,500 in a new garage door regain an average of 72 percent upon resale.
Front Porch
Outdoor living spaces are just as important as indoor ones: “sell the front porch has additional square footage by staging it with as much care as you would other rooms.” This could be as simple as adding a couple of chairs, a rug and patio lights to add an extra twinkle and create a vision for the buyer.
Driveway
Resurfacing a driveway if there are imperfections is ideal, but if that is not in your budget, consider patching cracks or removing oil stains using kitty litter or a designated product from the hardware store.
Twilight
Finally, be sure your home will look as stellar by twilight as it does during the day. If you can, UpNest suggests putting “outdoor lights on a timer so they’re always on for nighttime showings” and keeping some interior lights for a touch of warmth. If that’s not feasible, consider lining the walkway or garden with a few solar lights.