How Can I Improve My Home's Curb Appeal?

Before they’ve even stepped through the front door, a buyer’s first impression has been made. Ensuring it’s a good one is necessary for getting top dollar. The outside of your home needs to be clean and tidy, but it also needs to feel inviting. You want guests and potential buyers to smile when they arrive. That’s why this article focuses on ways to improve your home’s curb appeal. 

PAINTING OR POWER-WASHING THE EXTERIOR

Ensuring the outside of your home is in peak condition is important for impressing buyers. You’ll be amazed at the difference a good power-washing does. If you don’t own one, we have a few hardware stores in the Hanover area that rent them out. 

Painting the exterior is a big job, which is why it’s recommended you hire a professional. You’ll be happy to know that taking this step does increase your home's value. In 2019, a survey of almost 1000 real estate agents estimated the cost of painting a house was $3,500. The value added was $5,500, averaging the R.O.I to be between 50%-60%

If you don’t have time or room in the budget, consider touching up the shutters and window frames. Those bright and new looking features will pop!

UPGRADE YOUR DOORS

HomeAdvisor.com shows us that installing a new front door leads to a 75% return on investment, while a new garage door sees a 98% return on investment. Faulty garage doors can threaten your homes energy efficiency, cause flooding, and provide access to intruders. That’s why this upgrade provides a near-perfect R.O.I., it doesn’t just improve the homesaesthetics, but its functionality as well. 

The front door is one of the key players in determining your home’s first impression. Steel doors (which can be a bit pricier) help insulate your home and prevent leaks. Additional flourishes such as sidelights and a transom window are a splurge that are worth it considering the curb appeal they bring. 

Many garage and front doors can be painted, which is a great budget friendly way of boosting curb appeal. Take it one step further though and replace the old hardware. Your door handle, house number, and mailbox can really date your house if they’re in bad condition. 

GARDEN AND LANDSCAPE

Sometimes all it takes is a weekend of tackling weeds, overgrown shrubs, and messy corners of the yard to double your home's curb appeal. Remember, landscaping should complement your home, not hide it. If there's a porch or a walkway, ensure everything is in good repair. Rotting railings or steps should be replaced, otherwise they may not even feel safe entering your home. 

Choose colourful plants that enhance the appearance of your home. Timing your garden with different growing seasons makes it look beautiful in spring and summer. Window boxes can be a lovely addition to the front of any home, as long as it doesn’t crowd or clutter the look. 

USE SYMMETRY

Symmetry is pleasing to the eye and the simplest way to create a look. Consider symmetrical usage of light fixtures and front-door accents such as tall planters to welcome your guests. Long driveways and walkways are another great area to practice symmetry.