When it comes to selling your home, trying to increase your home’s curb appeal is one of the most important things for you to think about. The home seller’s market is very strong right now, across the country, so buyers have a lot more to choose from. The better your home looks from your curb, the more potential buyers you will attract. But it’s not just about getting people to look! An increase in the curb appeal of your home will probably mean an increase in your selling price. And that’s a great reason to increase the curb appeal of your home.
Here are a few top projects for you to complete that will do just that:
- An Entrance With A High “Wow” Factor. The appearance of your front entrance will speak volumes to every potential buyer that steps over the lintel. Even if your interior is pristine, your front stoop will tell another story entirely if there are cobwebs and dust greeting your visitors. A thorough cleaning will do wonders, as will replacing any weather-worn or broken items, such as light fixtures or peeling paint. Updating your light fixtures to the most energy-efficient, on-trend style will add a wow factor to your entrance, and don’t forget the weather-stripping!
- The Roof and Paint Department. No one wants to replace a roof or paint the entire house as soon as they move in. Go ahead and rent that pressure washer to remove all of the inevitable dust and peeling paint, and step back to get a good look at your home. If you’re being honest, it’s more than likely that from the curb it’s very apparent there is some painting that will need to be done. Also, if it’s been years since the roof was replaced, you’ll likely need to do that, too. A new roof and fresh paint is a huge draw for the new-home shopper. Don’t forget to take the palette of the homes nearest to you into consideration when choosing your colors.
- Well-Groomed Green. Your home won’t be set off as well as it could be if your landscaping is languishing. The effect of landscaping on a home’s curb appeal should never be underestimated. Some studies show that a sophisticated yard plan can add over $10,000 to the value of a property. One recent study claims these as the percentage of value added:
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- Design Sophistication: an average of 42% added value
- Plant Size: an average of 36% added value
- Plant Diversity: an average of 22% added value
One challenge you’ll face is that when new landscaping is added, new and smaller plants and trees are almost invariably used for ease of installation and due to lower costs. To combat this, a good trim and refresh of your existing larger shrubs and trees is in order, and a redo of all the mulch will go a long way towards enhancing your property’s curb appeal. Take care of bare spots in your lawn, and make sure your driveway is up to par. Add potted perennials tastefully around the yard, and step back to enjoy the fruits of your labor!
Here at Ascension General Contractors, we’re ready to help you with all your home projects. Let’s get together and talk about how to increase your home’s curb appeal.