Curb appeal is exactly what it sounds like—how appealing your home is from the curb! When it comes time to sell your home before you move, what your home looks like from the street becomes even more important. It is, after all, the first impression prospective buyers will have of your house. No matter how beautiful your home is on the inside, curb appeal (or lack of) can quickly sway a buyer in one direction.
Here are some easy, inexpensive ways to up your curb appeal before you list your home for sale.
Landscape
Make sure your grass is freshly mowed, your trees are trimmed and weeds have been removed. For an added touch of charm, plant some new flowers or add some flower pots to your entryway. Think about what you’ve been impressed by on home tours, and try to include some of those elements.
Clean, clean, clean
Make sure the yard is raked and the entryways are clear. Rent a pressure washer to clean your walkway and porch. This can make a huge difference!
Paint Your Front Door
It may sound silly, but painting your front door can actually change the entire look and feel of your home. Try something inviting and eye-popping like classic red or cool turquoise. Follow this tutorial for an easy start-to-finish project.
Update Hardware
Once that door’s got a fresh coat of paint, consider updating the hardware. A new doorknob and door knocker can really add some pizazz.
Update House Numbers
You want prospective buyers to be able to find your home easily. If your numbers are hard to see from the street, or just need a little refresh, consider replacing them. There are lots of eye-catching options you can purchase, or try a DIY project instead!
Add accents
Windows looking drab and boring? Paint the shutters or trim a bright color. Just make sure it matches the rest of your house.
Light it up
A well-lit home feels welcoming, evokes feelings of vibrancy and can even ward off potential burglars. Make sure your porch lights are bright and illuminate the front of your home from the street. You want the inside of the home to look bright too, so make sure your windows allow some light through.
Upgrade your mailbox
Whether your mailbox is by the road or attached to your home, upgrading it can add some serious curb appeal! You can shop all different styles online, or even DIY your own.
Once the exterior of your home is in great shape, the next step is finding a real estate agent and staging your home so the inside looks as good as the outside!
Natalie Schwab is Redfin’s Managing Editor and writes for the Fun & Fab section on everything from DIY decor to life hacks. Her dream home would have a huge art studio and a comfy living room where she and friends could catch up on episodes of “The Bachelor.”
(flickr: Cameron Parkins/via cc) (Behr Paints) (iStock: Bangkokhappiness/via cc) (iStock: David Papazian/via cc)
