Real estate curb appeal reflects what a property looks like to prospective homebuyers — basically, from the curb in front. In other words, how does the home look from the street. Favorable curb appeal increases the property’s value, since it helps attract buyers. Unfavorable curb appeal leaves potential buyers cold.
Sellers, however, have ways to improve curb appeal value to create an advantage in highly competitive real estate markets like Asheville, NC. Understanding the value of real estate curb appeal can make all the difference between a faster sale and a higher closing price.
What Is Real Estate Curb Appeal?
Curb appeal, or appearance, is what initially draws in a prospective buyer to learn more about the property. It involves the outward attractiveness, including all aspects of the exterior, such as:
- Age and style of the property
- Its condition — whether it’s been kept up or not
- The paint, roof, lighting, stoops, porches, patios, driveways and walkways
Simply put, how inviting is the property at first blush? Positive curb appeal is intriguing and enticing, whether seen in-person or online. A positive first impression enhances the property, so it receives further attention from buyers. An overwhelming number of National Realtors Association (NAR) members —99 percent — believe that curb appeal helps attract an eager buyer.
How Can I Increase My Property’s Curb Appeal Value?
Strategies to increase the attractiveness of your property run the gamut. While improvement suggestions and costs vary, the goal is to spend as little as possible and get the biggest bang for your buck. Prioritize what your property needs to increase its real estate curb appeal by:
- Cleaning up. Put away the kids’ toys, lawn equipment, and trash/recycling bins. Tidiness and cleanliness are a must.
- Keeping the grass and shrubs trimmed. The NAR reports that you can recover 100 percent of the costs related to landscape maintenance and tree care from your sale.
- Cleaning the windows. While you’re at it, power wash the driveway, too.
- Replacing dingy hardware and street numbers. A visible, legible address lets agents and potential buyers to locate your property.
Those changes only cost elbow grease. A few more options for improving the exterior appeal of your home may also increase the value of your home, such as:
- Painting the exterior. Refresh the paint if it’s chipping or fading. Just repainting the trim may improve your real estate curb appeal.
- Fixing damaged exterior. New windows, doors or shutters make a huge impression.
- Repairing or replacing the roof. One of the first things buyers notice is the condition of your roof.
- Adding exterior lighting. Update old light fixtures or install something new.
How Can I Stand Out from the Crowd?
Eco-friendly features make a property more appealing to prospective buyers in Asheville. The city’s known for its appreciation of the natural world and environment. Environmentally-aware upgrades include:
- Solar walkway lights
- Solar panels
- Raised garden beds
- Butterfly gardens
- Native plants
- Vegetation for pollinators
- Landscaping that mitigates erosion
- Wildflower lawns
- Organic lawn treatments
Making short-term investments in real estate curb appeal improvements increases your potential sale price. By making the curb appeal as inviting as possible, you give your property a distinct advantage over the competition, and you can to recoup your investment. When you’re ready to buy or for a short-term construction loan to improve your property’s curb appeal, contact your GoPrime independent mortgage broker.
