Let’s Talk Curb Appeal!
If buyers don’t like the outside of a home, they may not want to see the inside. Adding curb appeal to your home can help sway a buyer to WANT to see your home!
Costly or Extravagant
First Impressions Mean Everything!
How many times have you made a decision based on your first impression? The same goes for potential home buyers. No matter how nice your home may be on the inside, you have to get the buyer into your home for them to see that. f there’s paint chipping of your shutters, weeds waist high and a dead tree in the front yard, the chances of a buyer wanting to see the inside of your home is slim. That’s where adding curb appeal comes in.
According to the National Association of Realtors, 63% of potential buyers will drive by a home after viewing pictures of it online. A home’s exterior should be a preview of what buyers should expect inside a home. HGTV offers tips on curb appeal in this post.
Big Budget vs Small Budget
- If you have a big budget, there is no better way to add curb appeal than to replace your siding. If you have wood siding, this should definitely be something you consider. Vinyl siding is a great investment and will increase your home’s resale value. For a smaller budget, cleaning your siding will give it a fresh look. A pressure washer and some elbow grease can go a long way!
- Look at your garage doors. Do they have dents? For a bigger budget, consider replacing them. For a smaller budget, a fresh coat of paint could do the trick!
- Draw the eye to your entryway. There are many ways to add curb appeal to your home and make it visually appealing. The simplest is with paint! A fresh coat of paint on your front door (and other exterior doors as well) can go a long way! If you have an older door and a bigger budget, consider installing a steel door. Steel doors are energy efficient and require little maintenance.
- An inexpensive way to add curb appeal to your home is by adding potted flowers. No green thumb? Head to your local nursery and ask for help! Here in Metropolis IL, we have Massac Nursery and McPlants Garden Center that offer a variety of plants and knowledgeable green thumbs to help you.
- Check out your home after dark. Is it dark and scary? Exterior lights can really add curb appeal. If you have a big budget and no exterior lights, adding hardwired sconces and pathway lights will make your home feel bright and warm. Consider solar powered lights if your budget is smaller.
- A nice, welcoming door mat is an inexpensive addition that will invite buyers into your home.
- A nice yard is a must. Keeping your grass mowed and landscaping free of weeds is necessary. If the your landscaping includes overgrown shrubbery and faded mulch, consider replacing the shrubs with new, smaller ones as well as replacing the mulch. This will really give your home curb appeal!
- Look down at your sidewalk and driveway. Are they full of weeds and cracks? If they are, use a weed killer to get a handle on them. Be careful not to over-spray on your lawn or nearby plants because they too will die. In the winter, keep your driveway and sidewalk free of snow. If a last minute showing is scheduled you don’t want a buyer tracking through snow to get to your front door.
- Look up at your roof. Is it straight or wavy? Are there layers upon layers of shingles? The roof is one of the first things buyers notice when looking at the exterior of a home. This is definitely a big budget item, but depending on the condition of your roof, a new roof may be necessary. If the roof has plenty of life left, does it have stains? Again a pressure washer and some elbow grease is an inexpensive option.
Fall Curb Appeal
With fall’s vibrant colors, it’s easy to add curb appeal this time of the year. Seasonal flowers, such as mums, pansies & asters, pumpkins & gourds and a fall wreath on your front door will make your home look inviting to buyers. Here are even more ideas for fall curb appeal.
Curb Appeal Mistakes
We’ve given you alot of curb appeal ideas, but what should you NOT do?? Don’t avoid peeling paint. Don’t let your yard go. Going out of town? Ask your neighbor, a family member or friend to mow your yard while you’re gone. Not only will this add to your curb appeal, it might also ward off thieves who may be scoping out your home if they’ve noticed you’re out of town. Make sure you keep any potted plants watered and looking fresh as well. Here are a few other things you should avoid as well.
Once you get your home looking top notch, both inside and out, be sure to give us a call. We would gladly list your home for you or simply sit down for a consulation to discuss the idea. We have 11 agents licensed in either Kentucky and/or Illinois, so no matter which side of the river you’re on, we can help. (618) 524-000.
