Whether you do it for your own personal enjoyment or in anticipation of selling one day, improving your home’s curb appeal is a wise investment. And given that gardens take time to become established and mature, the right time to create a garden for curb appeal is now whether you plan to sell or not!
But this post is done on request for a journalist for Saltscapes Magazine, so, we will stick to the notion of curb appeal for selling. In short, our experience and research tells us that prospective buyers for your home are more likely to want to look inside if they like what they see on the outside. An attractive and well-cared-for exterior sets the expectation for an appealing home that the buyer considers worth inquiring about.
What is curb appeal?
Curb appeal refers to the extent to which your property is attractive when being viewed from the street. It’s a subjective assessment determined by the viewer. While the current real estate market is strong with homes selling at and often above listing prices, curb appeal will influence the number of potential buyers and what they are willing to pay for your home. Curb appeal helps maximize your home selling upside no matter what the market.
Do first impressions matter?
Most homebuyers begin their search for a new home online and the first image on a listing is almost always the exterior of the home. Pictures that showcase the curb appeal of your home are key to getting buyers interested in your property. The first impression sets the expectation for the rest of the home and influences whether the homebuyer is interested in scheduling a viewing appointment. On the other hand, homes and gardens that appear to need considerable upgrades or maintenance are a deterrent to attracting viewers.
So ask yourself this. Is your property impressive or is it an eyesore?
Does curb appeal increase your home’s value?
While homes are usually appraised based on the interior condition of the house and its features, improving curb appeal will attract more buyers who expect to pay a competitive market price and help it sell faster. Surveys vary but generally indicate that homes with well-kept lawns and professional landscaping sell for 7% more than similar homes with unattractive front yards or exteriors.
“We fell in love with our home at first sight when we were driving by. The property and garden were beautiful. We knew that unless it completely unsuitable inside, we’d be making an offer right away.”
Buyers who want to move and enjoy their new home right away want to view listings that have an attractive and well-kept yard. They will expect the interior to be similarly well-appointed, that there will be other like-minded buyers looking at the property and they expect to pay a competitive market price for the home.
Buyers interested in a home they can build equity in by leveraging their skills will be satisfied with a home or garden that is in less optimal condition. They will consider their time, skills and financial resources relative to the needs of the property. They will be interested in projects that suit their needs and will expect to pay less for a home that needs improvements. Too many fixes can be a turn-off.
Ideas to improve your home’s curb appeal
Landscaping
Curb appeal starts with your lawn, garden beds and trees. Walk outside and take an objective look at your property from across the street and consider the following:
grass: what is the condition of the lawn; repair patches and overseed and water it to thicken the turf and green it up.
garden beds and trees: remove dead branches or plants, prune overgrown shrubs and ensure they aren’t blocking windows or impacting siding, and then edge and mulch the garden beds. Fresh mulch on a maintained garden bed will dramatically improve its appearance. Use good quality natural brown bark mulch from a commercial landscape material supplier and avoid dyed or bagged retail products.
trees: check to see if there are any obvious problems with trees such as major limbs broken or diseased foliage or bark.
Front entrance
The front door and entrance is a focal point for your home. A fresh coat of paint may give it an updated appearance if a new door isn’t necessary; a new front door can make a very strong first impression if the existing one is in poor condition. If you don’t have a good eye for color selection or design features, get assistance so that you make wise choices that add value. If the light fixture, mailbox or house numbers are tired or dated, a small investment can make a big difference. Pick finishes that match your trim or hardware for an attractive aesthetic. Turn the light on at dusk to ensure your home is appealing at night as well as during daylight hours.
Cladding, roof, windows and gutters
The roof and physical exterior of the home should be considered. Most homebuyers don’t want to pay for a new roof unless this cost is reflected in a reduced price. Consider the condition of the siding or paint; if the siding is dirty, consider power washing it. Painting your home can take time and be costly, but this can be factored into the asking price. Get help with color selection and consider having it done professionally; save receipts to show recent investments in upgrades to prospective buyers. Windows and gutters should be in good repair and cleaned. Summer student programs offer insured, affordable services for gutter and window cleaning; a small investment can play an important role in curb appeal.
Driveway and hardscapes
A driveway full of cracks and weeds can be easily improved with natural, non-toxic weed spray and a bit of work. Resealing your driveway is an affordable way to improve the appearance of your home. Inspect the walkway, deck or other structural elements. While you may not want to invest in major repairs, consider power washing if they are mossy or dirty.
Tidy up!
Allow your home and garden to be viewed without distraction. Create appropriate storage for toys, trashcans, hoses and lawnmowers so that they are out of sight.
In summary….
Spending time and money on the interior of your home is important, but improving curb appeal will be well worth it to attract potential buyers. While some of these projects may be more costly than you anticipate, they can have a huge impact on selling your property at a higher price and in the timeframe that you want.
And, if you do it now, you’ll get to enjoy it too!