You know what they say—first impressions matter, and you only get one chance to make a great one. If you’re thinking of selling in the near future, now is the perfect time to start making a list of projects you need to tackle around the house. After all, you want to help your home look its best to not deter any potential buyers. This can range from simple tasks, such as washing your windows, to hands-on tasks, such as replacing gutters. Read on to learn about eight curb appeal trends that will make the best first impressions for potential buyers.
Put effort into landscaping
When it comes to curb appeal trends, landscaping is something that you don’t want to overlook. Landscaping will help make your yard look more welcoming while increasing the value of your home. In fact, The Washington Post recommends investing as much as 10% of your home’s value into landscaping in an effort to make the outside as appealing as the inside of your house. Not only will landscaping maximize your yard’s best attributes, but the payoff will also be notable. According to the National Association of Realtors, houses with high curb appeal sell for an average of 7% more than similar homes without the same landscaping. With this in mind, it’s worth considering bringing in a professional landscaper to do the job. They will get your lawn looking healthy and vibrant in no time!
Give your mailbox a new coat of paint
If your mailbox is dreary or outdated, now is the perfect time for you to give it a makeover. A new coat of paint will help spruce up your mailbox and make your home look more aesthetically pleasing. It’s a good idea to use water-based latex paint that has an all-acrylic binder. This will help prevent rusting and provide durability during adverse weather. If your mailbox is old or battered, it’s time to invest in a new mailbox. When shopping for a new mailbox, be sure to look for something that matches the style and color of your home. From traditional to contemporary, there are hundreds of different styles and designs for both wall-mounted and post-mounted mailboxes. This wide array of choices will help you choose a mailbox that perfectly matches the overall style of your home.
Don’t forget about hardscaping
When preparing their homes to be sold, most people focus on landscaping. While this is undoubtedly important, we’re here to remind you that hardscaping is also a crucial component of getting your home ready to hit the market. Part of landscaping is ensuring that your home’s walkways are in top-notch condition. After all, the walkway is one of the first things that potential buyers see, so it’s tasked with the important job of leading guests to the front door. If the walkway is unkempt or overgrown, it will make a subtle statement about the condition of the rest of the property. Needless to say, you’ll want to make sure that it’s inviting and well-kept.
As well, make sure to check the condition of your driveway. Buyers are consistently looking for ways to get sellers to lower their price and an old, decrepit driveway just might do the trick. To prevent this, consider replacing an old concrete driveway. If it’s still in good condition, make sure to give it a good cleaning. A pressure washer will help to clear any dirt or grime from the driveway and give it a fresh look. Plus, this task can easily be accomplished over a weekend!
Go green
Another simple way to increase your home’s curb appeal is to add some fresh foliage. Adding flowers or plants is one of the most obvious ways to revamp your home’s outdoor appearance. For instance, potted plants are a great way to bring warmth into a space. Similarly, healthy shrubs or a thriving flower bed will impress potential buyers before they even step into your home. You can easily add plants or flowers on the entryway, stoop, or porch, depending on the layout of your home. HGTV recommends a variety of plants that will add instant curb appeal when it comes time to sell your home.
Replace gutters and downspouts
Out with the old and in with the new! If you live in a place where rain is a common occurrence, it’s important to replace the gutters and downspouts on your home. Although this step is far from glamorous, it’s still an important part of improving the overall value of your home—and helping increase curb appeal. If your gutters don’t need replacing or repairing, it’s still a good idea to clean them regularly. This only requires a few tools and a free afternoon. Of course, you can always hire a professional to do the job for you. Maintaining the gutters and downspouts helps keep your home in tip-top shape and improves the overall quality of your home.
Clean the roof
Much like maintaining the gutters, consistently cleaning the roof helps increase the overall quality of your home. If you don’t neglect this step, then algae, fungus, and moss can cause stains and growth patches. This can happen through shingle deterioration and wood rot—both of which can lead to expensive repairs and can shorten the lifespan of your roof. An old, poorly maintained roof in need of replacing is a costly upgrade. Thankfully, regular roof maintenance will prevent this from being a problem. Plus, it will help avoid problems such as leaking and debris buildup. Keep in mind that a poorly maintained roof with broken fixtures can lower the value of your home and its curb appeal.
It’s time to call in the experts for this job, as recommended by the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA). The NRCA advises against any DIY work on your roof, including cleaning it. This will help prevent you from doing the job incorrectly and eliminate the risk of personal injury. Plus, cleaning is a time-consuming, labor-intensive process—so why not leave it up to the experts?
Light the way
Let there be light! Installing landscape lighting is not only a curb appeal trend, but it will also make your home safer too. A dimly lit property can raise a number of safety risks, such as tripping over stairs in the dark or falling into the pool. On the contrary, a well-lit property can illuminate the pathway and discourage intruders, as well as a myriad of other benefits.
The first order of business is to select the type of lighting you want. There are plenty of options to choose from, including spotlights, floodlights, or step lights. Regardless of what you go with, you’ll find one that matches the ambiance of your home. The best part of this task is that it’s relatively simple and can be accomplished over a weekend—no professional help required!
Wash the windows
While it’s certainly important to focus on the big details, it’s easy to overlook the small tasks— such as washing the windows. Ensuring that your windows are free of streaks and dirt is a simple and inexpensive way to boost your home’s curb appeal. After all, dirty and smeared windows can turn off potential buyers and give the impression that your home is not cared for (plus, it won’t look good in photos, either). The Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab provides tips and tricks on the best ways to get your windows sparkling clean. If possible, opt for a dry and cloudy day or, at the very least, start on the shady side of the house. Before getting started, you’ll want to clear away any dirt from the window frame by using a brush or vacuum. Next, be generous with the cleaning solution. While some people use newspapers or squeegees, you’re better off using microfiber cloths, which help nab water spots and eliminate smudges and dirt without scratching the glass. With the right spray, cloth, and technique, you’ll have your windows clean before you know it.
If you’re looking for Lafayette homes for sale, contact Michael Robertson today. Whether you’re looking for a short-term rental or a forever home, Michael can walk you through the process from start to finish and help you find a place that’s right for you. With years of experience in the real estate industry and deep knowledge of Berkeley real estate, Michael and his team can help you find a house that truly feels like home.
