3 Simple Tips To Increase Your Curb Appeal And Sell Your House Faster
Curb appeal matters a lot when you’re trying to sell your home.
The first impression that potential buyers have of your house is based on how it looks from the outside. Improving your curb appeal is hands down, the easiest way to get more money for your home.
In fact, you can sell your house for 7 to 10% more if you have a high curb appeal, according to a joint study by the University of Alabama and the University of Texas at Arlington.
We have three simple but effective tips to increase your curb appeal and home value. Let’s get into it.
Start with landscaping
One of the best ways to boost your curb appeal is to make sure your yard looks great.
According to the Economic Benefits of Landscape Contractors of America, a well-manicured lawn and simple landscaping can add about 14% to the resale value.
But you don’t have to begin by tackling the whole lawn.
Instead, start small. Consider the more visible parts of your property like the front entrance, driveway, and landscaping around the front of your home. After all, curb appeal is about making an impression from the street.
Here are a few easy things you can do to keep that yard looking fresh:
- Do some yard work. First things first: keep your grass mowed, rake leaves, and make sure all weeds are pulled. Especially before a showing.
- Landscaping starts with the grass. Brown or dirt patches can make your property feel old and neglected. Take a look at the photo above. Which home seems more inviting? They're both beautiful homes with lovely landscaping. The only difference is the condition of the grass. Bad grass is an easy fix, though. Plant a few grass seeds and water the yard for a few weeks for new grass.
- Overgrown or dying bushes aren’t a good look. If you have trees or shrubs on your property, trim them often. Keep them in check, so they don’t overtake other areas of your yard or dominate the landscape. And if they’re dead, consider removing them altogether. Another great tip is surrounding bushes and trees with dark brown mulch to make your soil look rich.
- Use plants to accentuate and frame key visual points. Plants can transform a space and give the appearance the home is well cared for. Putting flower beds on your windowsills or placing potted plants on either side of your walkway will make a huge statement. You might want to highlight key visual points, including your front door, windows, walkways, porch, etc.
Show your driveway some love
Your driveway is kind of a big deal. It’s essentially a big arrow directing the eyes to the home. You want it to be welcoming.
If it has weeds, dirt, and cracks, it will leave a bad first impression.
In fact, homes are considered to have a low curb appeal if the property includes blemishes like broken pavement, according to a joint study by the University of Alabama and the University of Texas at Arlington.
So what should you do if your driveway isn’t looking great?
- Pull weeds. Weeds like to grow in between the cracks and joints of concrete. You can pull them the old-fashioned way or apply a weed killer (vinegar is a cheap and effective way to do this).
- Powerwash. Power washing your driveway (and all walkways while you’re at it) is a great way to extend the lifespan of your concrete. It helps prevent damage and makes your driveway look amazing.
- Look for cracks and anywhere someone might trip. Make sure your driveway is safe to enter and exit from. Check for any tripping hazards or uneven pavement. If your concrete isn’t in great condition, it might be good to invest in concrete repair. Concrete repair specialists can lift and level sunken concrete in minutes. And seal cracks and joints to revitalize your driveway or sidewalks to look brand new.
Make your front entrance inviting
Your front entrance should never be an afterthought. It’s the first thing people see when they pull up to your home.
It’s a good idea to make sure it looks inviting and welcoming, so you can make a great first impression. Here’s how.
- Make sure the front door is in good condition. If you have cracks in your woodwork around the frame of your front door, fix them before putting your house on the market. No one wants to see their potential new home looking like it needs major repairs.
- Paint changes everything. Believe it or not, the color of your front door has a significant effect on your curb appeal. According to a Zillow report, a black front door could increase the price of your home by 2.9%.
- Design a clear path. Pay attention to the pathway leading to your front door. If you have a concrete walkway, make sure the concrete is in good condition with no cracks or tripping hazards. Also, add visual cues like lighting and plants to line the walkway.
- Illuminate, illuminate, illuminate! Lighting can create focal points and highlight features of your home. It can also be used to create a sense of security by illuminating the dark areas of your property. Adding lighting up your walkway or at key visual points gives the appearance that your home is well-maintained at all hours of the day and night.
First impressions are everything
As you can see, the outside of your home is just as important as the inside.
About 90% of homebuyers begin their search for a new home online. And that first picture they see when they’re scrolling on Zillow is, you guessed it, the exterior of the house.
Most of these buyers decide whether they like the house just by that first picture. So that’s why it is so important to dress up your curb appeal and make a great first impression.
If you keep these tips in mind as you begin your journey to the perfect curb, you are well on your way to getting the best value out of your home. But remember to have fun with it; after all, the best results are achieved when you enjoy the process of creating something.
P.S. If you find you need help with your concrete, let us know. At Thrasher, we give you the knowledge and tools you need to make the best choice for your home. We walk each customer through our process so they feel comfortable and confident in our ability to get the job done. If you want a thorough free inspection or have questions about concrete repair, call us at 402-313-3068 or leave us a message.
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