For those hoping to sell their home this year, setting aside some time and energy to boost the property’s curb appeal will be well worth the minimal effort it takes. Few things can help sell a house like a first impression, and that is exactly what you invest in when you focus on the face of your home and the surrounding front yard. Creating a clean and tidy exterior that both welcomes and leaves a lasting impression can take your house from forgettable to fork-over-the-keys.
How Does Curb Appeal Impact a Sale?
Perception Is Everything
The moment potential buyers see the front of your home, they start forming opinions. A well-maintained exterior gives the impression that the property has been loved and taken care of, and it’s no surprise that people desire homes that have been well-loved. Furthermore, curb appeal can have a significant impact on how much buyers perceive your property to be worth. When a home looks attractive from the street, it creates a perception of quality. Small investments in landscaping, fresh paint, and repairs can go a long way toward boosting this perceived value. Additionally, prospective buyers gain confidence in their decision to view the home (and subsequently put an offer down) if a property meets their expectations upon first glance.
It Helps Buyers Take that All-Important First Step
If a property looks appealing on the outside, it increases the likelihood that potential buyers will want to see more. A fresh exterior, tidy yard and clear driveway can pull buyers through the door to tour the rest of the home, even when it might not check all of their original boxes. For example, a buyer may be willing to overlook a missing mudroom or upstairs laundry if the home brings that “wow” appeal when pulling in the driveway. On the other hand, poor curb appeal can discourage potential buyers from even getting out of the car to take a look inside. Lackluster curb appeal puts sellers at risk of losing their audience before they even have a chance to see what’s being offered.
It's Good to Stand Out
Homebuyers often tour numerous properties across multiple days or even weeks. If your home is one of the many they have visited, taking that extra step to imprint your property in their mind can help your home rise above the rest. When buyers are driving through neighborhoods or attending open houses, a house with curb appeal will catch their attention and keep it in their minds long after the tour is over. Remember that the view from the street is the first and last image potential buyers will have of your home, so make it a memorable one.
Speed up the Sale
Properties with undeniable curb appeal often sell faster. Homebuyers often desire houses that are aesthetically pleasing, and many are willing to make offers quickly to avoid future regrets. With a well-maintained exterior, you increase the chances of generating more interest in your property, leading to quicker showings, better offers, and, hopefully, a faster sale. Additionally, creating curb appeal that evokes comfort and excitement from potential homebuyers is the key to closing the deal. Despite the high dollar price tag, homebuying is a very emotional decision, and when people feel connected to a particular property, they are much more likely to make an offer.
How Do I Increase Curb Appeal to Yield Higher Offers?
Green It Up
One of the easiest ways to spruce up that first glance is by tending to those green spaces, especially the front yard. Mowing the lawn and trimming the hedges is an obvious must, while clearing away any brush or failing plants is also necessary. Adding decorative vegetation is a great touch, focusing on low-maintenance perennials that future homeowners will not have to manage. Colorful hanging baskets, seasonal potted plants, or window boxes can add a glossy finish, as well, as can any of these curb appeal projects specific to your yard.
Help It Shine
A fresh coat of paint on exterior doors, shutters, and trim can give the home a facelift and increase appeal. Power washing the driveway and sidewalks, as well as washing all first floor windows, are also essential as clean surfaces let folks know the property has been well-maintained. Tidying up outbuildings and garden sheds (inside and out) should also be added to your to-do list. In addition to these basic tasks, there are a number of other spring projects to make your house shine in the days leading up to open houses or showings.
Make It Secure
Aside from improving your own peace of mind, adding a security system can really help build curb appeal. Cameras, security lighting, and/or a gate suggests that the property at hand is of value and worth protecting, and this can increase desirability for prospective buyers. These days, many systems can be self-installed, as well, so the cost is not as prohibitive as it used to be. The many benefits of a home security system are widely known, and this is a quick way to improve that first impression.
Sellers looking to move their property quickly and at a fair price should seriously consider investing some time and money into sprucing up the property’s curb appeal. Few home improvements can give folks the same bang for their buck as a front-of-house facelift, and with growing inventory on the housing market, this might be the best way for sellers to stand out from the crowd.