If you’ve decided to sell your house, you already know that potential buyers will be touring the property. They’ll check out the kitchen cabinets, the size of your closets, and the design of your bathrooms. However, many of those prospective buyers form an opinion about the house before they ever step inside. First impressions do matter. Spending time to improve curb appeal goes a long way in attracting buyers and selling your home.
Reasons to Improve Curb Appeal
Ultimately, the goal when selling your home is to make the most possible money on the sale. Homes with well-manicured lawns, attractive entryways, and professional landscaping sell for more than homes without similar curb appeal.
Focusing on the exterior will increase the perceived value of your home, leading to higher offers. If you need help deciding what to improve, talk to your real estate agent. Here are some tips to boost curb appeal.
Trim the Grass, Trees, and Bushes
Investing in your home’s landscaping doesn’t have to be expensive. You can take care of much of the landscaping work yourself. Keep the grass mowed and trim trees that are overhanging the house or driveway. Neatly trimmed shrubs are more appealing than out-of-control weeds and overgrown bushes.
Add Color
Add brightly colored flowers around your front walk and greenery on the front porch. Depending on the season in which you’re selling your home, you can choose plants according to placement and sun exposure.
If you’re not sure which plants are best for your zone or what type of flowers work for the season, ask someone in the lawn and garden department at your local hardware store. Bold blooms and a fresh layer of mulch go a long way in making the front of your homemore inviting.
Paint the House
If you have the budget, repaint the exterior of the house to improve curb appeal. Pressure-washing is a less expensive option, especially if your home has high-quality vinyl siding. However, if your home is painted and the paint is chipping, or it has simply lost its vibrance, it will be worth spending the money on a fresh coat of paint.
Improve the Mailbox
Potential buyers notice the mailbox when they pull up to view the home. If your mailbox is on a wooden post, add a coat of paint or stain. Install a new mailbox if yours has seen better days and make sure the house numbers are clearly visible on the box.
Wipe down your mailbox so it’s clean and tidy with no mildew or caked-on debris. Plant flowers around the base of the post to add color and make the area look well-cared-for.
Clean Walks and Driveways to Improve Curb Appeal
Rent a pressure washer to clean the sidewalks and driveway to improve curb appeal. Alternatively, you can find a contractor in your area to professionally clean these areas. This is a very affordable way to improve the curb appeal of your home.
A potential buyer who is looking at your house is buying the entire property. While you need to make sure that the inside is ready for viewings, it’s also important to invest in your home’s exterior to make a positive first impression.
Exceptional Engineering Home Inspections provides home inspection services in Maricopa County, Arizona. If you’re selling your home, contact us to book a pre-listing home inspection.