Selling your home involves much more than getting the interior ready. A successful sale depends on the exterior of your house. Let’s face it: first impressions are everything. So it makes sense that a potential home buyer’s first impression is based on their view from the car before they even set foot inside your house.
To see if your house has curb appeal, all you have to do is simply walk across the street and look. Be honest and ask yourself if the exterior of your property is attractive. Compare your home’s exterior to the other houses on the block. Does yours lack appeal? It’s time to get to work and give your home curb appeal!
What is curb appeal?
Curb appeal is simply the general visual attractiveness of a house as seen from the street. It is a huge deciding factor for interested buyers. A house’s exterior changes the frame of mind of potential buyers before they even walk through the front door. The view of your home from a car can turn off buyers, so it’s important to create curb appeal to market and sell your home.
If you can only afford the bare minimum when it comes to creating curb appeal, at the very least paint the exterior. This can give your house a much-needed face lift. It also spruces up its appearance, and is a good investment in the long run. The color you choose should not be particularly bold and should fit in nicely with the other homes in the neighborhood.
Tips for creating curb appeal
- When it comes to landscaping, the front yard is the most important. Buyers will see it first, so be sure to add color and interest with plants and flowers strategically placed throughout the front. And don’t forget paths and the driveway!
- Don’t neglect nighttime curb appeal. Your home should be brightly lit inside and out to create a warm, inviting look.
- The front door is a focal point. There should be no tree limbs in the way or peeling paint. Think about painting the front door a bold color.
- Use exterior lighting to enhance your home’s appearance. Highlight porches and walkways to create visual interest and appeal.
- When planting shrubs, flowers, and trees, consider the climate and soil conditions. Also keep in mind the amount of sunlight the area offers.
Once you have spruced up your home and given it amazing curb appeal, it’s a good idea for you to know is the value of your home. You can rely on a free home valuation report from Neighborhood IQ to learn what your home is worth so that you can price it accordingly.
