When it comes to selling your house, it’s easy to focus on ensuring the inside is nothing but immaculate…but what about the outside?? While the interior is of course very important, we can’t forget that the curb appeal can make or break a sale as well.
I have many clients who will opt to do a drive by before they choose to commit to a showing because to them, a well-kept yard means a well-kept home. I’m sure you’ve probably even skipped right over a property while surfing the internet because the curb appeal of the home is severely lacking or maybe even in complete disarray.
Here are some tips and inexpensive ideas of things you can do to enhance your curb appeal:
With just a little elbow grease and sweat in your brow, your hard work can really pay off!
- Clean up the clutter! Pick up the toys that are scattered in the yard. Hang, hide or neatly coil up your hoses. Make that extra trip to the garbage/recycling center so that everything you decided to purge while packing doesn’t just pile up until the next garbage day.
- Take care of your grass! Mow the lawn and weed whip. Water the grass. Buyers love to see green grass, not brown. Oh, and don’t forget to rake the leaves to show off your now beautifully manicured lawn!
- Clean up and trim all your shrubbery! Overgrowth stands out when everything else is tidy.
Freshen up your mulch! Get a few bags of new or just give it a good fluffing to mix in all the mulch from last year that was faded by the sun. - Power wash your siding, sidewalks and deck! You will be amazed at how much of a difference this will make. If you’ve got areas with some green mildew growth, spray little bleach on for a few minutes, let it sit, then rinse off.
- Add some potted flowers along your walkway or by your front door! Not only is this an easy way to add color to your curb appeal, it is also a proven fact that flowers are inviting and make people feel happy.
- Add a fresh coat of paint or stain to your deck, trim, doors, or siding! Want to really stand out?? Paint your front door a fun, contrasting, yet tasteful color.
- Consider adding shutters, window boxes, new house numbers, updating the mailbox or sealcoating the driveway! While some of these ideas may cost you a little more than elbow grease or sweat in your brow they can really give your house a fresh look and stand out above the rest.
- Take a good look at your roof! Do you have peeling or loose shingles? If so, this is definitely something you will want to have repaired before you list your home. A buyer who sees even one loose shingle will automatically think the house needs a whole new roof. If there has been a storm recently, consider having a roofing contractor meet with you and your insurance adjuster, you’d be amazed at how many homeowners get a new roof, gutters, siding, soffit/facia, and shutters replace and paid for by their insurance!
- While you are still looking up, take peak at your gutters! Is it time for a cleaning or are they in need of some repairs too?
- Here in Minnesnowta, keep your shovel handy. It is very important to make sure your walkways and driveway are properly cleared and salted!
- On this same note, make sure you are cleaning up after “Fido.” No buyer wants to look at or take on the responsibility of cleaning up all the landmines that show up in the spring before they can enjoy their new yard.
Now that I have you thinking about all the things you want to do to enhance your curb appeal, here’s your chance to get your creative juices flowing and show me what you have learned.
This is my house! We just moved in last fall and while it looks nice, I find it to be somewhat bland and boring. Everything blends together: light grey siding, light tan faux stone, white door, white shutters….I didn’t even realize we had shutters until I starting writing this post! It’s hard to tell, but there are three green bushes in the landscaping (and one randomly placed tulip) that again, I think, blend right in with the rest of the house. The only pop of color as of right now are my potted flowers by the front door.
So, tell me, what would you do??