Curb appeal, the attractiveness of your home as viewed from the sidewalk or street, is an important factor in general. In the context of selling your home, curb appeal represents the all-important first impression of potential buyers, as well as agents who may recommend the home to their clients.
Let's look at some simple ways to boost your home's curb appeal.
A focus on the front door
A new visitor will likely give your entire home a once-over, but the front door and area around it is a natural focal point. It stands out from the rest of the home, sits near the visual center of the house and will draw additional attention as potential buyers approach to enter. DIY Network recommended a few inexpensive tactics for improving this area specifically, including a fresh coat of paint for your front door (potentially in an eye-catching color), a new doorknob and a welcoming doormat.
You may also want to consider moving and carefully arranging existing planters that have flowers or other vegetation in good condition near the front door as a no-cost way to boost curb appeal. A regular sweep of your front stoop and more-meticulous-than-usual cleaning of this area can help, as some possible buyers may examine this area carefully.
Make your mailbox an asset
The traditional mailbox at the end of a driveway is closer to potential buyers and can easily attract some attention before they take in a full view of your home. While a mailbox doesn't have to do more than reliably open and close during day-to-day life, a clean, fresh and attractive mailbox will help create some positive attention.
Better Homes & Gardens suggested finding a mailbox that evokes your home's style, whether in terms of color, material or another element. You can also paint the box's post to match your home's primary or accent color as well as plant some inexpensive flowers below it. You can use similar advice about matching for a mailbox that's affixed near your front door.
New numbers are practical and attractive
Depending on where you live and the numbering system in your town or on your street, it may be a priority to make your home as easy to find as possible. Even in areas where the numbers predictably and steadily increase (or decrease, depending on which direction you travel), new numbers can help make a statement and increase your home's initial appeal.
Real Simple said matching metal numbers to the type of exterior fixtures you have near your front door can help create an attractive and cohesive look. Alternatively, you might want to look into a custom plaque or board that will display your house number near the curb, increasing both visibility and the aesthetic of your home.
Bring in a fresh set of eyes
Small cosmetic defects are just that - something that doesn't really impact the safety of your home and only affects enjoyment from a cosmetic perspective. If you've focused more on keeping the exterior of your home safe and sound rather than ready for an in-depth inspection, or simply don't have the eye for locating cosmetic flaws, bringing in a little help may be advisable, HGTV suggested.
An artistically or aesthetically inclined friend or family member can help you identify areas that could use a little improvement. Whether it's weeds growing into cracks on the edges of the driveway or dirt clinging to the bottom of siding, a little guidance can go a long way.
Once you improve your home's curb appeal, you'll likely improve your chances of selling your house. For help moving to your new home, get in touch with the professional movers at Atlas!