People might not judge a book by its cover, but they certainly do when buying a home. Here the “cover” of a home is its “curb appeal” or the aesthetic appearance of a house.
When you’re looking to sell your house, one of the key aspects to keep in mind is its ability to capture potential buyers’ attention as they pass by. The curb appeal of a house is the first thing prospective buyers witness and the make-or-break factor.
So investing to improve your house’s curb appeal can lure in many customers who would otherwise simply pass by with a glimpse.
But what is curb appeal, and how to increase a house’s curb appeal? Let’s find out in this article. We will also explore some of the top ways to improve the curb appeal of a home.
What is curb appeal?
Curb appeal is how the outside of a house looks. It can include things like the color of the paint, how well it is decorated, and if there are plants or flowers around. People who want to buy a house pay attention to curb appeal because it helps them decide if they will see more or not. Improving curb appeal can help make your house look better and attract more potential buyers.
How to increase a home’s curb appeal
Increasing home curb appeal will help a house stand out and attract potential buyers. To increase a home’s curb appeal, homeowners should focus on painting the exterior, power washing for a fresh look, installing outdoor lighting, and improving the landscaping. Additionally, updating fixtures, hardware, and accessories around the house can give it a much-needed facelift.
Here are the top 10 ways to improve curb appeal:
1. Paint the exterior of your home
Painting the outside of your home is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to boost its curb appeal. Whether you choose neutral tones or a bright, eye-catching color, new paint can help give a house an entirely different look. Quality exterior paints with high water resistance will ensure the paint job lasts longer.
Before beginning a painting project, it’s crucial to find out what colors may be available in your area.
2. Power wash every piece of dirt
Power washing the outside of your home is an efficient way to get rid of any residue, grime, and dirt that can build up over time. Not only will this help keep your house looking fresh, but it will also help to increase its curb appeal for potential customers.
3. Upgrade your front door for a fresh look
Upgrading the front entrance of your home is one of the best ways to give it a quick facelift. Replacing an old, worn-out door with a new one can make a big difference in the curb appeal of a house. Additionally, updating any hardware on your front door can also help improve its appearance.
4. Improve landscaping to add color and greenery
One of the most critical aspects of increasing curb appeal is improving the landscaping around a home. Adding plants, flowers, trees, and shrubs can help bring color and life to the outside of a house. Also, adding a walkway or patio can help improve the overall look of a home.
5. Install outdoor lighting for extra ambiance
Outdoor lighting is an excellent way to add some extra ambiance to your home. Installing lights around pathways or near the entrance can make a house look more inviting and welcoming. Besides, strategically placed lights can highlight certain home features, such as the front porch or patio area.
6. Make sure the Walkway is Prominent
A well-maintained and well-defined pathway can create a welcoming atmosphere, making potential buyers feel more comfortable visiting your property. It can also help to make the house look more inviting and attractive by adding visual interest and texture to the exterior of your home.
By creating an inviting walkway that stands out from its surroundings, you will be able to draw attention to both your front door and yard while also providing visitors with a safe route up to your house.
7. Put on large House numbers
Adding larger than normal numbers makes it easier for potential buyers and visitors to identify your property from the street. Not only does this help people find your home quickly, but it also adds a touch of style and sophistication to its exterior. With suitable materials and placement, large house numbers can help create a visually appealing entrance that will draw in prospective buyers.
8. Update fixtures, hardware, and accessories around the house
Updating fixtures, hardware, and accessories around the house can also help to increase its curb appeal. Replacing old, outdated doorknobs, light fixtures, and window shutters can help make a house look more modern. Moreover, adding decorations such as planters or wall hangings can also help to give a home some extra character.
9. Hide any apparent defects
When it comes to increasing a home’s curb appeal, one important step is to hide any apparent defects. This includes anything from peeling paint or cracked windows to broken gutters and damaged siding. Hiding these imperfections can help make your home look clean, more attractive, and inviting for potential buyers and give it a much-needed revamp.
10. Upgrade Your Mailbox
Upgrading your mailbox is a great way to increase your home’s curb appeal. A mailbox is typically one of the first things people notice when they approach your house, and a nice-looking mailbox can give it a much-needed boost in terms of aesthetics. Not only can a new mailbox provide an updated look to your property, but it can also help keep your mail safe from the elements.
Increasing Curb Appeal in bad areas
Increasing a home’s curb appeal is vital in making it attractive to potential buyers. It can also help increase the value of a house, even in areas with few other desirable homes nearby.
While it may be more challenging to make improvements in these types of neighborhoods, there are still ways that homeowners can boost their property’s curb appeal and make it stand out from its surroundings.
Just focus on the areas you have control over and upgrade what you can. Making minor improvements such as cleaning up the front yard, adding colorful flowers to landscape beds, painting and maintaining fencing and trim, or replacing old hardware will go a long way.
The Bottom Line
Improving your home’s curb appeal is integral to making it attractive to potential buyers. Following these simple tips can increase its value and make it stand out from other homes in a competitive market. From adding bold house numbers for easy identification to hiding any apparent defects that could be distracting, there are many ways to boost the curb appeal of your property and make it more appealing to visitors.
With careful consideration given to how people perceive the exterior of your home, you can create an inviting space with plenty of visual interest and charm. Don’t forget to check out other similar articles for more insightful information about home renovation ideas.
Last modified: January 10, 2023
