Regardless of how busy the housing market gets, selling a home can be a long process. One thing that helps a lot: improving curb appeal.
As a general rule, homes with great curb appeal fetch higher prices. The secret lies in providing a good first impression. Studies show that people gain impressions of objects after a few seconds, and these initial ideas are hard to shake off.
Not sure how to improve the curb appeal of your home? Here are 4 effective tips that should help you out!
1. Clean the Exterior
Before doing anything else, you should wash your home exterior. A thorough washing – a couple of weekends’ worth – can remove years of dirt and dust. All you need is one pressure washer, a long-handled brush, and a bucket of soapy water.
If this doesn’t make your walls shine, you may want to repaint them. This isn’t a low-budget option, but it can be worth its weight in gold. If you can’t afford a complete paint job, consider focusing on the trim.
2. Manicure the Lawn
Proper landscaping is another thing that can make a big difference in curb appeal. That said, you don’t want to go overboard. A simple yard facelift will only set you back a few hundred dollars while increasing the home’s value by 5-10%.
Focus on trimming the trees, pruning the shrubs, and making sure the grass is neat. If you notice any dead patches, replace them with sod from a local department store. Pulling up weeds, removing foliage, and putting down more mulch also helps a lot.
3. Inspect Your Roof
Does your roof have curled, faded, or missing shingles? If so, that can have a significant impact on your home’s value. You may not think about your roof too often, but this is one of the first things potential buyers will notice.
This is why repairing your roof is one of the best ways to increase curb appeal. You may also be able to get away with just a thorough cleaning, which could set you back about $1,000. For more information, contact a professional roofing contractor.
4. Add More Style
Curb appeal isn’t only about repairing what you have. Knowing how to add curb appeal can go a long way toward expressing your home’s personality. Keep in mind that buyers are more likely to go for a home they can picture themselves in.
For example, most front doors are boring to look at. Why not add a burst of color by painting it red or even replace it with a rustic wood door? You can also install a gray picket fence, add a new mailbox, or lay down an interesting welcome mat.
More on Improving Curb Appeal
These days, most home buyers start their journey online. Many of your prospective buyers will decide whether to drive by your home based on what they’re able to see from the street. The above tips can help you impress them.
Want to know more about improving curb appeal? Interested in making the most out of your driveway or concrete patio? Check out our Lifestyle section!
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