From a young age, we all were taught to never judge a book by its cover. What this life lesson didn’t keep in mind, however, is that an eye-catching cover – better known as “curb appeal” – helps get more potential buyers through the front door.
Your home’s exterior and front yard are the first things buyers will see in person or online. If both are not in top shape, there’s a good chance buyers will quickly move on to the next home. Help your house stand out amongst the neighborhood with these seven essential curb appeal tips.
Siding Wash
Thanks to the varied, unpredictable Texas weather, your home’s siding has certainly seen some wear and tear. Now is the perfect time to wash it off and make it look refreshed for the selling season. If you’re cleaning it yourself, use soapy water and a bristled brush to remove dirt and debris. For particularly tough grime, use a power washer for easy removal. You can buy or rent a power washer from your local home improvement store or hire one of our preferred professionals to get the job done.
While you’re focused on cleaning your home’s exterior, don’t forget to wash the garage door as well. Do not use a power washer to clean any windows or doors though, because it could damage them and lead to repair costs. If your garage door could use a remodel, our trusted Connections Network of vendors can make your curb appeal vision a reality.
Exterior Paint Refresh
Once you’ve cleaned off the siding, it’s time to look at the exterior paint. There’s a chance your home’s paint will have chips, cracks and weather-related issues. Increase your home’s curb appeal by either repainting with the same color or a completely new one. For a job this big, you may need to hire a painting contractor. Consider accenting your refreshed exterior paint with perennial plants, intricate trim or stylish window treatments.
Landscape Touch Up
Next, get your green thumb ready to touch up your front yard’s landscaping. Trim any trees and bushes that appear overgrown, add mulch to your flower beds and around trees for a well-kept look, and aerate your lawn to help it absorb nutrients easily. If you have any barren spots in your lawn, add seeds or sod to help renew and cover those areas. Looking to hire a professional landscaping company? Review our preferred vendor list here.
Fence Addition
Another nostalgic, yet high selling point for buyers is a fence around the front of your property. It doesn’t have to be a highly secure fence like those you would add around the backyard. Rather, you can install a traditional picket fence or a short chain link fence around the front yard. This can be especially appealing to families with young children as it helps keep kids safe and enclosed near the home. Find one of our preferred fence companies here to find the right type for your home.
Landscape Lighting
For evening walkthroughs, a great addition to your newly manicured landscape is outdoor lighting. Landscape lights increase the curb appeal of your home’s exterior and add security. You can accent trees, shrubs and flower beds at night to attract a potential buyer’s eye even more. For an energy efficient option, consider using solar fixtures that soak up sunlight during the day and light up at night. Locate one of our preferred electrical service companies here to light up your landscape’s high points.
Mailbox Update
Mailboxes may seem like a nostalgic idea, but they do add definite curb appeal to your home, especially if you live in the suburbs. No need to purchase a new mailbox – you can easily apply a fresh coat of paint or add numbers to the side in the form of stickers or metal decals. If you are seeking a new mailbox, stop by your local home improvement store and browse the variety of types and designs they offer.
Front Door Upgrade
Don’t forget the final piece of curb appeal that potential buyers see before entering your home: the front door. If the entry is worn down or rotting, this is guaranteed to set bad tone for the rest of the walkthrough. Consider different ways to revitalize the front door like a thorough cleaning or a fresh paint job. Then wash it down and look closely for chips or cracks in the current coat of paint.
Depending on the age of the door, now might be the ideal time to replace it. Many homeowners express their personalities through stylish, unique front doors, and you don’t have to break the bank to do so. There are many affordable types of wood, fiberglass and metal that you can personalize with knobs, windows and colors that complement your home’s design. Contact one of our recommended companies for help choosing and installing the right front door for your home.
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