Selling a home is a demanding task. It involves a lot of preparation, arrangements, and paperwork. Naturally, your goal is to achieve the best price possible. As you probably know, many things can affect a property’s worth, from location to appearance and functionality. Luckily, with some time and effort, you can significantly increase your home’s value. And the best place to start is by boosting your home’s curb appeal! Although people often neglect it, the outside of your home matters. After all, it’s the first thing buyers will notice, and it can affect their decision to purchase your home instead of another. Also, when choosing the photo for the listing, real estate agents often opt for the shot of the front of the house. With that in mind, we’ve prepared five great ideas for improving your listing’s curb appeal and leaving a strong first impression on future buyers.

#1 Remove clutter

The housing market is constantly changing, and there are many things both buyers and sellers should know. However, one thing remains the same – decluttering your home before the sale is essential. After getting rid of unnecessary items inside your home, don’t forget to do the same with your front yard.

For starters, get the cars and bikes out of the way – they’ll only distract potential buyers. Next, throw away the broken, rusted pieces of outdoor furniture. Or, if your furniture pieces are in relatively good shape, a little DIY remodel may be an excellent idea. Lastly, get rid of all old, dirty, or broken decor.

After all, most buyers want a blank slate – a home they can envision as their own and decorate according to their tastes and style. Not to mention that your home will look tidy and well-organized with all the clutter out of the way.

#2 Address the exterior of your house

While cleaning the house’s interior goes without saying, there are many ways to improve your home’s exterior, too.

● A fresh coat of paint will do wonders for the appeal of your home

Another cost-effective way of improving your listing’s curb appeal is painting the outside of the house. Depending on the state of the existing paint, this project may range from simply touching up the paint here and there to applying a whole new coat. Additionally, pay some attention to the trim – a fresh semi-glossy paint will look especially appealing and eye-catching.

Naturally, if there are any cracks, crevices, or other damage, you should address them first. Weather conditions and climate can affect the condition of your home. For example, beach properties often need tweaks due to hot and humid weather conditions. These repairs are often low-budget improvements, but they can significantly affect buyers’ decisions to buy your lakefront home.

● The power of pressure wash

The next step is pressure washing the exterior of your home. Renting a pressure washer won’t break the bank, and it will make the exterior of your house look so much better. Not only will it remove all dirt and grime, but your home will look sparkly clean and brand new.

● Upgrade your front door

The front door is the focal point of the outside of your home, so it’s a good idea to give it a fresh look. What’s more, choosing a bold, vibrant paint color will add charm and character to your home. For example, eye-catching red, green, or blue will look cozy and inviting and attract the eyes of many buyers.

#3 Front yard landscaping

The majority of sellers opt to upgrade the property before the sale, and with a good reason. It will boost your home’s market value and make it more attractive to buyers. And a great way to achieve that is to amp up your landscaping. A neat and beautiful front yard will leave a great impression and have a significant impact on potential buyers. Here are some things you can do :

● remove the weeds
● mow the lawn
● cover the bare spots with new grass seeds
● spruce up all decorative shrubbery and bushes
● decorate your home’s entrance (and deck or patio if you have them) with potted plants and flowers
● plant new flowers or trees

#4 Update your driveway and walkway

Another great way of improving your listing’s curb appeal is to focus on your driveway and walkway. If they look a bit outdated, it’s best to freshen them up. For example, repair a broken driveway with new pavement and make it smooth and inviting. Clear the debris and weeds for a clean look. Additionally, edging the walkway with bricks and flowers or adding stepping stones will create a cozy and charming atmosphere and style. A well-maintained driveway and walkways will show the future owners that you took good care of the property.

#5 Pay attention to details

Lastly, although there are many factors that can make or break the sale, details are also important. They’ll show buyers that your home is a well-kempt place and that you loved and enjoyed spending time in it. Here are some finishing touches you can easily add yourself :

● replace the house numbers with new stylish ones
● give your mailbox a new coat of paint
● change the old light bulbs (or even light fixtures)
● buy a new welcome mat
● clean the windows
● add the window shutters (ensure they match with the door in style and color)
● install solar paneled lights along the pathways
● update the outdoor hardware (doorknobs, handles, or knockers)
● add a sitting area to your porch

Final thoughts on improving your home’s curb appeal

Although listing your home for sale can be a stressful and time-consuming task, it can be done by following a few simple steps. Making your home beautiful and functional both on the inside and the outside is the key to a fast and successful sale. However, the exterior of the home is the first thing the buyers see. And if it doesn’t appeal to them, they might not be interested in checking your home further. Therefore, follow these tips for improving your listing’s curb appeal to give your home a polished and inviting look that’ll catch the attention of prospective buyers.

5 Ideas for Improving Your Listing’s Curb Appeal by Sally Norton