What is Most Important for Curb Appeal in Real Estate?
Curb appeal refers to the level of attractiveness one may feel for a property when viewing it from the street. However, curb appeal is a subjective appreciation for a physical asset in its simplest form. Homes with great curb appeal, for example, are attractive to those viewing them from the street. The house presents itself well, and all of the typical components are in place: the yard is well-kept, the paint is vibrant, the siding looks good, the roof is intact, and things are in order.
Improving a home’s curb appeal will add value to your property and help it sell faster. Homes are typically appraised based on the interior of a home’s condition and features, making it difficult for financial institutions to measure exactly how much curb appeal adds to property value.
The great thing about curb appeal is that it’s easy to achieve with some relatively minor adjustments. Here are six ways to improve the curb appeal of your home:
- Grass, Landscaping & Trees
It does you no good to commit your full budget to your property’s interior if the outside is a mess. Your curb appeal should start with the condition of the grass, landscaping, and any other foliage near the front of the property. Landscaping improvements can be as simple or as complex as you want to make them. Start with the grass and go from there. Burnt or dirt patches make the property feel old, dated, and neglected. In most cases, the fix can be as easy as planting seed and watering the yard for a few weeks. If the problem is more severe, you may want to consider sod or artificial grass. From there, you should focus on the area immediately nearest to the house. Overgrown or dying bushes are an eyesore. Therefore they must be trimmed or removed. Another area you should update is mulch. A fresh layer of mulch can completely transform a property’s exterior.
- Roof Of The House
While not typically regarded as a property’s most aesthetic characteristic, few features will either turn away or attract prospective buyers more than a home’s roof. If the roof is old and has only a few years left, you will receive a positive return on your money by replacing it and trying to sell the home for a higher price. Buyers won’t want to pay out of pocket for a new roof after getting into a home unless they are getting a great deal. If they know they will need a new roof in a few years, they will most likely submit a low-ball offer.
- Driveway
Another exterior area that is often overlooked is the driveway. You don’t need to replace or reseal your driveway, but it shouldn’t be in poor condition either. Driveways full of weeds or cracks won’t present your property in the best light. Fixing this can be as easy as a bottle of weed spray and twenty minutes of labor. If you are on a budget, be sure to touch up only the parts that need the most work.
- Front Door
What is the one item that is almost impossible to ignore every time you walk into your home? The answer is your front door. Instead of replacing the door entirely, start by seeing if a fresh coat of paint will be enough to give it an updated look.
- Lighting
Curb appeal isn’t relegated to daytime hours. Therefore, it’s in your best interest to make sure the home is just as attractive at night as it is during the day. String low-voltage lighting along your driveway, sidewalks, and near important landscaping elements. Feel free to add a decorative lamp to your front porch. Light up your home at night with attractive lighting, and your efforts will be rewarded.
- Mailbox Upgrade
If your mailbox is in front of your house, upgrading an outdated one will add curb appeal. Upgrading your mailbox will cost you as little as $20. Before installing, be sure that you are following your city’s and neighborhood’s regulations.
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