“Curb appeal” is a term that worries many sellers who are concerned that their house doesn’t have what it takes to woo buyers when they pull up to your driveway. Some aspects of curb appeal aren’t always in your control, such as the neighborhood your house is in, the state of sidewalks and roads, and eyesores like outdated power lines.
However, there are many things you can do to make your house stand out amongst the rest in a positive way. Better yet, you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars to achieve curb appeal.
In this article, we’re going to give you 6 inexpensive ways to increase the curb appeal of your home to woo potential buyers.
1. Match your landscaping to your home architecture
We all have our own preferences when it comes to bushes, trees, and plants in our yard. However, some landscaping decisions work more fluidly and naturally with the architecture of your home.
A good way to achieve this is by planting things that are native to your area and avoiding expensive trees that are in fashion one year and out of style the next.
2. Paint your trim, shutters, and front door
Sprucing up these accent items will improve the appearance of the entire exterior of your home. Don’t be afraid to choose bright and bold colors, so long as they match the color and style of the rest of your home.
3. Buy a new mailbox and house numbers
For less than $40 you can buy a new mailbox and house numbers that will give your home a sense of newness. Like with the other items on the list, go with options that match the style of your home.
4. Upgrade the lighting
Although the lights might not be on when people come to view your home, they will certainly notice old lighting. Make sure walkway lights are standing straight, equidistant from one another, and clean.
Installing or updating your porch light is also a good way to up the curb appeal when potential buyers get to your doorway.
5. Photograph the home at the best time
Since most home buyers begin their house hunting online, your first opportunity to show off your home’s curb appeal is in your listing photos.
While there is no set rule to the best time of day to photograph your home, you’ll want to avoid harsh glares or extremely overcast days. Try shooting after sunrise, sometime before noon, in the late afternoon, and just before sunset (the golden hour). Then review your photos and find the ones that show off your home the best.
6. Wash or pressure wash your home
Before spending hundreds on landscaping, take some time to wash the exterior of your home. Viewers will look at your house first and foremost, and dirty siding won’t win over any hearts.
You can use soapy water and a long-handled brush, or you can rent a pressure washer for as little as $30.
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