When you decide you’re going to sell your house, there are things to do well before the first prospective buyer shows up to tour the home. Good curb appeal can make the difference between whether you get the price you want or even sell the property at all. The good news is that it doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg to make these changes. Continue reading to find out exactly how to do this.
How to Improve Your Home’s Curb Appeal Before Selling
Here are the things you should focus on:
Tidy Up the Front Door
If your front door has seen better days, don’t expect to be overrun by offers in the price range you are hoping to get. The front door is the first thing a buyer notices when approaching your home. Make sure it looks neat and well-cared-for.
Sometimes a new coat of paint is all the front door needs. However, if you have an older door, it’s best to replace it with a new steel door to improve curb appeal.
Tend to Your Garden for Better Curb Appeal
Trim shrubs, remove weeds, cut the grass, and plant some colorful flowers. An overgrown, untidy garden conveys that the owner can’t be bothered to care for it, so the rest of the house is probably in a similar state of disrepair.
Tend to Exterior Features For Better Curb Appeal
If your mailbox is barely visible under mildew and grime, the house number is missing, the front door handle is loose, or the overhead light on the porch is broken, you have some chores to complete. Cleaning, repairing, and replacing these items won’t cost a fortune, and the return on your investment could be significant.
Give the Outside of Your Home a New Coat of Paint
While painting might be the most expensive thing to improve curb appeal, it could also be the most effective. According to a University of Texas study, homes with great curb appeal on average fetch a 7% higher price.
Make Sure the Entrance Looks Attractive
Placing a couple of new pots with beautiful flowers at the front door will immediately welcome visitors to your home. If there is enough space, add a small table and one or two chairs to create a cozy spot where the new owner imagine themselves relaxing after a long day.
Spruce Up Driveways, Walkways, and Porches
The job of landscaping is not to hide your home but to make it look even better. Sweep the walkways, clean the driveway, and spruce up the steps leading to the porch (and the porch itself). Rusty railings and weak or damaged stairs take away from curb appeal.
New Light Fixtures
Light fixtures aren’t the most expensive home improvements on the market, but they go a long way to create the impression of a stylish home with caring owners. This is particularly important for the porch, living room, and kitchen. While you’re doing this, make sure all the lightbulbs work!
Premier Property Inspections offers inspections to home buyers and sellers in Delaware County, PA, and surrounding areas. Contact us to schedule our services.