Curb appeal makes the first impression as a buyer pulls up to your house. A beautiful outside accomplishes four things:
- It sets the mood;
- Invites people to see the inside of the house;
- Increases home value; and
- Makes it easier to sell.
Here are seven ways you can improve curb appeal before selling your house.
1. Upgrade Your Mailbox
If your mailbox is on the road, it loses appeal after so many years of direct sunlight, bad weather, and slow degradation. You can replace your mailbox for as little as $20. Just be mindful of city and community regulations when you put in a new mailbox.
2. Paint the Front Door
Painting your front door can add brightness and a pop of personality. A gallon of paint starts at $30. Choose a bold color that makes your house stand out and compliments the rest of the house colors.
3. Dress Up the Front Porch
The front stoop or porch connects your interior to the exterior and provides an additional living space. For this reason, you want to create a welcoming, functional entryway. Keep things symmetrical by placing identical lanterns or potted plants on both sides of the front steps. Install a porch swing or add outdoor furniture, which you can find cheap at antique or second-hand stores. Be sure to put out the “Welcome” mat too.
4. Replace Lighting
Lights make an entryway safe and appealing. When choosing light fixtures, make sure they match the style of your house and provide adequate brightness. You can also add accent lighting to trees or a walking path to increase curb appeal at night.
5. Landscape
Your front yard creates the bulk of curb appeal. Depending on the season you’re in, you may do more or less work. Springtime is often the best time to do serious landscaping, including pruning the bushes, weeding the beds, laying fresh mulch, and mowing the grass. Spring is also the best time to plant flowers to add some color to an otherwise green yard.
6. Pressure-wash
Power-wash the house siding, walkways, and driveway to remove dirt, grime, and mold. You will be delighted, maybe even surprised, to see the actual color of these surfaces once the stains are gone. Be mindful of caulking and the roof, though, since pressure-washing can cause damage.
7. Perform Maintenance
The outside of your house takes a beating. Storms and age make it deteriorate. Be sure to:
- Replace broken fencing, railings, and cracked siding;
- Stain the porch, clean windows, window screens, and gutters;
- Inspect the roof too, and make repairs.
Instead of All This Work, Sell As-Is to an Investor
If you do not have the time to spruce, landscape, or make repairs, consider selling to an investor. Most investors will make a cash offer on a house as-is. They do not mind if the front yard is overgrown or brown and dying. You can enjoy a quick closing and focus your time and energy on the curb appeal of your next house.
