Curb appeal is more than just how your yard looks – it is the very first glimpse people get of your property. A property with nice curb appeal is bound to make a great first impression, especially when it comes to attracting potential buyers. It’s the first time people will see it after seeing the “For Sale” sign and if your curb appeal is on point, then it’ll make people curious to see the inside. If the property looks this good on the outside, they can only imagine what the interior looks like!
HomeLight’s top-rated real estate agents share some tips on how to turn a run-of-the-mill yard into a property with top-notch curb appeal. Here are their top seven tips.
Story Stages
1. Updated light fixtures
The light fixtures on your property may work just fine, but you’d be amazed at how different your property can look and feel with updated fixtures. Instead of having a boring front porch light, upgrade the fixture to a statement piece. Instead of the outdated walkway lights you may have installed a decade ago, consider upgrading to solar powered lights to both save on energy costs and give your yard a new look.
2. Energy efficient windows and doors
Older houses aren’t known for having energy efficient windows and doors. In fact, many homeowners of older homes will update the windows and doors out of necessity. The great thing about updating these now is that there are government programs where you can get some tax credits for energy efficient upgrades. So, not only will you save money on energy costs, you can get money back on your taxes.
Oh! And by updating the windows and doors, you can also recoup some (if not all) of that money back when your house sells.
3. New paint
Over time, the color of your house will change regardless of the material used. Wood sheathing, vinyl siding, even rock or stucco will lose its original color as time goes on. You can breathe new life into your home’s exterior with a new job job or, in case of brick, stone, and stucco, a good power washing.
Note: If you’re repainting or replacing the siding of your home, make sure you check with local ordinances because some areas have specific color guidelines that must be followed.
4. Incorporate different textures and materials
For those who want to change the look of their home entirely, you could incorporate different textures and materials to your home’s facade. Instead of being all brick, you could use wood slats in the entryway to create a unique focal point. If you have vinyl siding, you could use stone veneers on the lower third of the exterior walls for a new look.
5. Hire a professional landscaper
Hiring a professional landscaper is an investment, yes, but it is well worth it when your vision comes together. A landscaper can breathe new life into a crab-grass lawn filled with brown spots. They can plant beautiful flower beds and recommend the best native flowers to achieve the look you’re going for. When push comes to shove, a landscaper is well worth the investment!
6. Refinishing or repairing hardscaping
After your landscaper worked their magic, everything could look absolutely stunning. However if the driveway and walkway is filthy or has cracks, all that effort will be for nothing. It’s a wise move to fix any cracks or unevenness before you decide to sell, not only because it’s an eyesore, but because a home inspector could cite those problems as a safety issue which will need to be addressed before the sale can close.
This year was a great year to sell and realtors predict that it will continue to be a strong seller’s market in 2022. So, if you’re thinking about selling property in the new year, these six tips are a great place to start!
