Curb appeal sets the stage for the homebuyer. A home that isn’t inviting from the outside may not get a second look, that is why first impressions are essential. If you want a homebuyer to view the interior of a property, curb appeal needs to be addressed. Here are the top 10 tips from Prep’n Sell on how to spruce up a home’s curb appeal.
Keep the property looking clean and well maintained by regularly mowing the lawn and having shrubs and bushes trimmed to prevent unwanted debris from collecting. If the homeowner does not have the time to regularly maintain the property, lawn maintenance professionals are a great resource to keep the home looking great especially when putting it on the market.
Painting the front door of a home can make a big difference. The front door is the entryway to the home, the focal point of its exterior. At Prep’n Sell we’ve noticed a trend towards using bolder colours for the front door to stand out from the other homes on the market. The use of a unique colour that suits the home, encourages potential buyers to enter the property. While also giving an easy way for them to remember the home later on. “Oh honey, do you remember that house with the red door!”
Before you scrape any paint or plant more flowers, wash the dirt, mildew, and grunge off the outside of the home. Sometimes all a home needs is a little TLC to bring it back to life!
Nothing looks worse from the curb than hanging gutters, missing bricks on the walkway, or chipped paint at the entrance. Not only can these issues damage a home, but they can drastically decrease a home’s value. Look at getting any minor repairs or maintenance done prior to putting the home on the market as these are easy ways to help increase a home’s value without putting a ton of money into it.
The most commonly offered curb appeal advice from real estate agents we work with is to give the exterior of a home a fresh coat of paint. Potential buyers will instantly notice it as nothing says new like a fresh coat of paint!
Replacing old hardware like the door handle, house number, and mailbox are easy ways to refresh the entrance of a home. Adding a good light source overhead can add interest to the entrance while also letting potential buyers see how the home looks at night. If the hardware is out of date or in bad condition it will come off like the home isn’t well maintained to potential buyers. Tip: Another tip to keep in mind when updating a home’s entrances hardware is to use products that work well together aesthetically.
The condition of the roof is one of the first things potential buyers notice! Missing, curled, or fading shingles only hurt the value of the property. If the neighbours have maintained or replaced their roofs recently, it will make the other homes in the area look dated and worn down. Some tired roofs look a lot better after you remove 10 years of dirt, moss, lichens, and algae. Don’t try cleaning the roof yourself as it can be dangerous, costly, and you could even damage the roof. Where a professional with the right tools and techniques can do it much easier and get to those areas you might not know about.
Tackle those wild overgrown weeds and shrubs. Cutting back any overgrowth that keeps light out of the house is very important especially when putting it on the market. Using greenery is important to the front yard landscape, not only does it give a lush inviting appearance when potential buyers drive up, but it can also help with the energy bills. Adding trees and shrubs around the lawn offers the home protection from high winds while also providing shade during hot days, reducing the home’s need for heating and AC.
Tip: Choose colourful plants with different growing seasons to make sure your garden looks great in both Spring and Summer.
The home’s landscaping should enhance the home’s appearance, not hide it! Cleaning the driveway and walkways by sweeping or pressure washing away debris is an easy way to add value to a home. If the home has steps or a porch, or other entrances, make sure everything is well maintained.
With the freshly painted door now comes updating the entrance. Try using large pots either filled with shrubs or flowers to create an inviting entrance to the home. If space is available a good seating area is always another go-to strategy at Prep’n Sell to add more curb appeal. Try placing a patio chair and a small table to the side of the door. When potential buyers walk through they’ll easily see themselves kicking their feet back enjoying the new home you just sold them!
Let us know if you have any great curb appeal tips in the comments below!
Prep’n Sell created their “1 Call” home owner service in 2002. The concept was developed after the principals recognized that homeowners wanted help to prepare & update their homes for sale, and needed a renovation company that understood exactly what was required.
Head Office
#6-3135 Universal Dr.
Mississauga, Ontario, L4X 2E6
Phone: 844-299-1104 Email: info@prepnsell.com
Prep’n Sell created their “1 Call” home owner service in 2002. The concept was developed after the principals recognized that homeowners wanted help to prepare & update their homes for sale, and needed a renovation company that understood exactly what was required.
