Refresh Your Front Door
Your front door is the gateway to your home, so it’s important to ensure it makes a great first impression. I like to start by giving the door a fresh coat of paint in a beautiful, eye-catching color. While I’m at it, I’ll also take a close look at the door hardware and consider replacing any outdated or dingy pieces. A new kick plate can add a nice decorative touch as well.
Next, I make sure the entryway is inviting by layering a stylish welcome mat and hanging a seasonal wreath. Flanking the door with a pair of tall planters overflowing with vibrant greenery or colorful blooms is the perfect finishing touch. And don’t forget to check the doorbell – if it’s looking a bit worse for wear, a quick replacement can make a big difference.
Shine up the Exterior Lighting
Exterior lighting is another important element of curb appeal that’s often overlooked. I always make sure to give our light fixtures a thorough cleaning before listing the house. If any of them are really dated or damaged, I’ll consider swapping them out for something more modern. But if the budget doesn’t allow for that, a simple spray paint job can breathe new life into old fixtures.
Create an Inviting Outdoor Oasis
For homes with a lovely front porch, I love to style it up to showcase this wonderful living space. I’ll arrange a cozy conversation area with comfortable chairs, a small side table, and some pretty outdoor-friendly accessories. This helps buyers envision themselves relaxing and entertaining on the porch.
Freshen Up the Landscaping
When it comes to boosting curb appeal on a budget, freshening up the landscaping is one of the most impactful things you can do. A layer of new mulch in the garden beds and the addition of some seasonal plants like geraniums or mums can make a world of difference. And if you want to save even more, you can try using mulch dye to “paint” your existing mulch and give the illusion of new material.
Give the Garage Door a Facelift
The garage door is another often-overlooked exterior feature that can have a big impact on curb appeal. If yours is looking a bit tired, consider adding some decorative hardware like fake window inserts. It’s an easy and inexpensive way to give it a custom, upgraded look.
Upgrade the House Numbers
Over time, we tend to become blind to the little details like faded or outdated house numbers. But trust me, buyers notice these things. I always make sure to upgrade the house numbers to a larger, more modern style before listing. It’s an easy and affordable way to really make your home stand out.
Refresh the Mailbox
Speaking of those little details, the mailbox is another exterior feature that’s easy to overlook. But a rusty, neglected mailbox can really detract from your home’s curb appeal. Take some time to either spruce up the existing one or invest in a brand new mailbox and post. It’s a small change that can make a big difference.
Stay on Top of Yard Maintenance
Of course, no discussion of curb appeal would be complete without mentioning basic yard maintenance. Mowing the lawn, trimming the hedges, and keeping the flowerbeds tidy are all essential to making a great first impression. I always make sure to carve out time for these tasks before our house goes on the market.
The Power of Curb Appeal
When it comes to selling your home, first impressions are everything. That’s why I always dedicate a significant portion of my home prep budget to boosting the curb appeal. Simple, affordable upgrades like the ones I’ve outlined here can have a huge impact on how buyers perceive your property.
In fact, when we sold our last house, we allocated about half of our total home prep budget to overhauling the front yard landscaping. And it paid off big time – the real estate agent commented that our awesome curb appeal was one of the first things potential buyers noticed. They didn’t even have to step foot inside to be wowed.
So if you’re getting ready to list your home, I highly encourage you to focus on those exterior upgrades. Trust me, it’s worth the investment. Not only will it help your home sell faster, but it may even lead to a higher sale price. And who doesn’t love the sound of that?
To get you started, I’ve curated a collection of products that can help you level up your curb appeal. You can check them out here. Happy upgrading!
