As author Andrew Grant once said, “There’s no second chances when it comes to making first impressions.” When prospective buyers view your property for the first time, they are likely making their purchasing decision before they even walk through the door. Your home’s curbside view, from the front door to the landscaping, can make an impact on your prospects.
As you start to prepare your home for sale, consider spending more on the exterior, making sure it draws buyers’ attention. Here are five curb appeal tips and easy upgrade projects to consider:
1. Apply a Fresh Coat of Paint
If the exterior siding of your property is made of wood, repainting it can have a big impact. Earth tones, bold reds, and monochromatic color schemes are some of 2020’s most popular home exterior color trends. The cost of repainting your entire property can vary between $1,811 to $3,201 according to an analysis by Home Guide. On average, most will spend about $2,510 to repaint the exterior of their home. If you want to make a smaller but equally impactful update, you may also consider just touching up the property’s trim or front door. A new coat of paint here and there can make a big difference for a fraction of the price.
2. Keep up with Basic Maintenance
Your home may look great from the street, but what about up close? Walk around the exterior and look for any cracked windows, loose shutters or missing mortar. Once repairs are made, make sure to give your exterior a nice cleaning. Pay attention to the windows, and consider renting a pressure washer for as low as $40 per day from a local retailer to remove dirt and grime from bricks, siding, and pavement. You’ll be surprised by how fresh your home looks when you’re done. Even when selling your home at auction using Hubzu’s Signature Auctions, this is an important step. It could improve
your chances of getting bids on your property.
3. Invest in Landscaping
The right landscaping can raise your home’s value by 10 to 15 percent. Sophisticated landscapes and lush gardens with season-appropriate flowers and vegetables are in demand for many home buyers. Hiring a professional landscaper can be expensive but if you have a green thumb, there are several things you can do yourself. Just make sure you trim overgrown hedges and cut back tree branches that block the view of your home. Then, rake leaves, clean out flower beds and keep your lawn nicely mowed.
4. Make the Front Door Welcoming
The front door is where you’ll welcome potential buyers, so it should be as inviting as possible. It might need a fresh coat of paint, but also look at the area that immediately surrounds it. Can you add a decorative wreath? Is the door hardware in good condition? Is there room on the porch for a potted plant? Is your welcome mat really welcoming? Adding some personality to your front door isn’t expensive, but making it stylish will make a big impression.
5. Upgrade Lighting
Put the spotlight on your home by making sure it’s well-lit. While many potential buyers will visit during the daytime, some might stop by at night so your property should shine around the clock. Start with your porch light. If it’s in good shape, make sure to clean the shade so it exudes as much light as possible. If it’s seen better days, consider replacing it with something attractive that matches your home’s exterior style. You may also consider adding landscape lighting to highlight your home’s architectural features and offer an additional security measure. Prices for landscape lighting vary, but you can opt for a quick upgrade that doesn’t involve wiring by installing a few solar-powered lights yourself. Using these five curb appeal tips may help you sell your latest investment faster and yield a higher return. Before you know it, your neighbors will start making remarks about how nice your home looks, and you’ll be well on your way to impressing potential buyers.
