Maximizing Curb Appeal
The term “curb appeal” has been part of the real estate lexicon for ages, perhaps to the point that it may be dismissed to a certain extent. However, there is little disputing that curb appeal has a vital application in the real world. Briefly defined, curb appeal encompasses the aesthetic qualities in a home visible from a public vantage point. This can refer to a variety of things, such as landscaping, architectural symmetry or a paint scheme. While a total kitchen renovation can obviously be a major selling point for any home, the sale of a home can often depend on its initial curb appeal – you know, that whole first impressions thing. And the beautiful part is that curb appeal can be achieved for much less than, say, new hardwood floors. Here are a few relatively inexpensive, and effective, ways to up the curb appeal of your home.
Lawn Maintenance. To be more specific, regular lawn maintenance. The lawn usually covers the most square footage on your property, so there’s no hiding its imperfections. Frequent mowing should keep the lawn looking healthy, and any discolored or bare patches should be replaced and re-sodded. A well-manicured lawn includes trimmed edges and weed control, so it may be wise to invest in professional lawn care experts or proper trimming and edging tools to create a visually appealing yard.
Replace Old Hardware. Replacing out-of-date house numbers, the entry door lockset, a wall-mounted mailbox, and an overhead light fixture are all elements that can add style and interest to your home’s exterior. Homebuyers notice the little details more than you think. These elements add the most appeal when they function collectively, rather than as mix-and-match pieces. Oiled-bronze finishes suit traditional homes, while brushed nickel suits more contemporary ones.
Exterior Lighting. Exterior lighting can create a warm and inviting atmosphere for any home. While, like any project, you can go the extravagant route and shell out thousands for something awe-inspiring, it doesn’t actually take a lot of lights to make a significant impact. What’s more, most big box hardware stores sell outdoor lighting kits that don’t require the skills of an electrician to install.
With all the painstaking work required to prepare the interior of a home for sale, it never hurts to show the exterior some love to ensure a wide audience.
