Ever wonder why one house sells for more money or sells more quickly than others in the same neighborhood? The reason may be curb appeal — a house or property that’s aesthetically pleasing or attractive. Curb appeal invites you inside and makes you wish you lived there, just from what you see on the outside.
Making a house appeal from the curb is how sellers increase interest and traffic, which often leads to a sale. It’s also a tip to buyers that the owner has taken steps to maintain the house, which is important when you’re looking for a long-term home. Not only does it add value to the home in the eyes of an appraiser or a buyer, it also shows that the house has selling potential later on.
House Hunting Tips
House hunting starts out exciting, but if the process takes a long time, you’ll start feeling frustrated. It helps if you’re preapproved, so you know what you can afford. You make a list of the features you want and the neighborhood you’re looking for. Once you start looking, you may find a house that fits 70 to 80 percent of your needs. The rest often depends on how you feel when you step inside.
A bright front door, a cozy front porch or a well-maintained yard might be the tipping point that makes you say yes. On the other hand, an overgrown yard, a crooked shutter or a peeling railing may make you step back before you even see the inside. Details matter.
As a Seller
If you’re putting your home up for sale, knowing how to add value at low cost can lead to a faster, less difficult sale. That’s what curb appeal accomplishes. You can put your house up for sale as is. If it’s well maintained, it may sell reasonably quickly. If you’re hoping to sell it faster or get a higher price, adding a little curb appeal goes a long way.
Step out to the front curb, turn around and have a look. What stands out? The fresh paint or the broken drain spout? The manicured yard or weed-infested flower bed? Giving your home a welcoming look and feel is the X-factor that brings buyers to the door.
As a Buyer
“The eyes do not see what the mind doesn’t know.” Knowing about curb appeal as a buyer is as valuable as it is to a seller. Being able to notice what steps the owner has taken to sell the home can give you an idea about what to expect in price. And if you decide to sell it later on, this knowledge also shows you how to do your part to balance any potential wear and tear.
To be fair, what’s on the outside might not reflect what’s on the inside. But knowing the owner has taken the effort to maintain the outside of the home bodes well. But buyers must still make sure that the cosmetic touches don’t hide deeper problems. Learn the difference between cosmetic damage and real structural problems.
Curb Appeal Tips for the Seller
It may seem that giving your house a little curb appeal is going to take time and more money than you’d like to invest. But that isn’t always the case. There are a few basic, inexpensive solutions that give your home that extra something:
- Keep the door and entryway neat.
- Repaint the exteriors as needed.
- Fix any issues with the roof.
- Clean the gutters.
- Maintain the walkways and the garage.
- Invest in a small garden or plant flowers.
These are a few basic ideas that do not cost an extravagant amount, but increase the value of your home. As Better Homes and Gardens suggests, drive by your house and look at it critically as a buyer before making any changes.
Going the Extra Mile
If you’re looking to do a little more, there are many ideas for taking that extra step. Some you can accomplish with just a little more of an investment, such as:
- Paint the doors and window panes a bright color.
- Expand your garden or get window boxes.
- Spruce up or purchase a new mailbox.
- Polish or purchase new house numbers.
- Furnish your front porch.
- Change the outside lighting and fixtures.
- Light up the yard or walkways.
As a seller, giving your home a little curb appeal isn’t necessary, but it can help sell your home more quickly and even get a better price. As a buyer, after looking for the right neighborhood and the right features, don’t overlook curb appeal.
You can learn more about buying or selling a home by visiting Zachery Adams Blog page where you’ll find many informative articles.
