Looking to sell your home? Don’t underestimate the power of curb appeal. From the driveway to the front doorway, the exterior of your home is a crucial selling point.
Curb Appeal Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive
If you are concerned about cost, we have tips to beautify your home that won’t break the bank. Kris Farwell, Director of Mortgage at Coulee Bank, says, “The best way to save money on curb appeal is to put a little elbow grease into it.” Here are small things you can do to elevate the charm of your home. From colorful, blooming flowers, to a freshly painted front door, these DIY projects will entice home buyers to give you top dollar for your property.
Farwell says that first impressions are everything. The easiest and fastest way to make your home more appealing is by power washing the driveway and siding if needed. Make sure the gutters are clean and in good repair. Remove any dead leaves from the premises. Keep the lawn freshly cut, the hedges trimmed, and the weeds pulled from all flower gardens.
Add Color and Décor to the Front of Your Home to Make it More Inviting
An easy DIY project is to paint your front door. You can easily make your door a focal point with a contrasting color. If you need a few pointers here’s an article from HGTV on painting your front door. Click here to read more.
Farwell says, “Add bright blooming flowers in pots and hanging baskets to your front porch. Pay attention to the amount of sunlight the flowers will get so you choose the appropriate flower. Know the difference between annuals and perennials.” Annual plants have a one-year life cycle, meaning they don’t return year after year. Some examples of colorful annuals are petunias, marigolds, zinnias, begonias, and impatiens. Creating potted plants using annuals is inexpensive if you create a planter yourself. “Hiring someone to create potted plants can be costly, so try the DIY method first,” says Farwell.
If you aren’t a gardener, don’t go overboard with plants. The time commitment to care for the plants can become a burden especially if you are trying to sell your home and it needs to appear well cared for every day.
“If your porch is large enough for outdoor furniture, add a bench or a couple of chairs with a cohesive color palette,” says Farwell. Color coordinate the cushions with your newly painted front door or floral arrangement. Add festive holiday décor like red, white, and blue for the Fourth of July. She says to keep it simple. You definitely don’t want a crowded front porch that distracts from the overall appearance.
Put a Spotlight on Curb Appeal with Enhanced Lighting
Illuminate your driveway to make it safe and inviting. Replace any burned-out light bulbs by using long-lasting LEDs. Clean out the dust and cobwebs from the light fixtures to maintain their sparkle. Then, select beautiful and eco-friendly lighting to line the driveway and sidewalk. Illuminating your driveway, sidewalk, and front porch not only adds style but also enhances safety.
Maximize the Look of Your Mailbox
If your mailbox is next to the road, consider a fresh coat of paint, visible address numbers, flowers, and lighting. Replace or repair the mailbox post if it wobbles or leans. You may consider simple landscaping next to the post. Add a potted flowering plant or plant annuals around the base of the mailbox. If you landscape around the mailbox post, add landscaping rock or mulch for a polished and inviting look. Farwell emphasizes low-maintenance landscaping especially if you aren’t a gardener.
Remember, a well-maintained exterior can make a huge difference in attracting potential buyers. It doesn’t need to be fancy, keep the exterior clean and tidy for maximum results.