Curb Appeal. I just love that phrase. Truly.
It paints an image of luscious landscapes, popping colors, and serenity. Curb appeal is the first impression of us, the owner of the home. It represents so much of who we are as people. You know what I mean.
As a real estate professional, I can describe in nearly 100% detail, who my seller clients are before having met them in person by simply studying the curb appeal of their home.
If it’s a cluttered mess of dried leaves, uneven grass, kids toys, and old scraps of wood, and instantly know I have my work cut out for me. On the other hand, if it’s a perfectly manicured work of art, with everything in place, and could grace the cover of Homes and Lands magazine, I just want to hug them.
If you are planning on selling your home, wouldn’t you like to have potential buyers think of you as the latter, instantly grabbing their positive attention?
Today I want to offer you some incredibly easy tips on how you can get your curb appeal looking stellar in a matter of a weekend! So roll up your sleeves and let’s dive right in, shall we?
Green is Clean
Perhaps one of the most effective ways to make your front yard shine is by simply adding in some fresh greenery and flowers. If you have a grassy front yard, add some fresh seed, get the sprinklers going and keep on top of mowing.
If you lack a lawn, fear not. Simply head down to your local Menards, Home Depot (or even Target) and grab some planters, soil and get some fresh flowers. Flower hangers are also trendy and add a wisp of uniqueness. Get creative!
Popping Front Doors
Another easy and inexpensive way to brighten up your curb appeal is by adding some fresh paint to your front door. Expect to pay $15 – $30 for a gallon of paint, not pricey at all and very easy to do, even if you are a beginner. Go for a bold color that enhances the color of the rest of your home. Some currently trending ideas are Brilliant Blue, Apple Red, Black, and Pale Pink. Just be sure to hold up swatches first to be sure it will not clash.
Magnificent Mailbox
A mailbox makeover is both fun and rejuvenating to your overall curb appeal. Swap out your old metal box for one with some color or designs! If your home has a distinct theme, match the box to that theme. Just be sure to show your plans to your local postmaster for approval prior to installation.
Decorative Doormat
Although minute, a doormat communicates a sense of welcome while inviting guests to leave behind the dirt and grime from their shoes before tracking indoors. Be sure it is cheerful and doesn’t clash with the rest of the front entry. You can buy inexpensive doormats at almost any store.
Decor and Adore
Do you have a front porch? Add a bistro set, or comfortable, stylish chairs. Set out some large planters. Add cool lanterns.
Lacking space? A simple, season-appropriate door wreath can work wonders.
Tight budget? Head to your local thrift store where you can often find some killer decor at amazing prices. Yet another chance to get creative!
House Number Upgrade
The first thing people look for when coming to your home for the first time is the address, so why not make those numbers stand out!?
Most home numbers get forgotten and over time begin to fade. Purchase some new numbers that match the finish of your home. You can often get numbers for only 2$ each! Cheap, easy and effective.
Handsome Hardware
Don’t ignore this quick, easy fix. Swap out old, dated front door hardware with some new, fashionable options.
Door knockers are always a knockout. Door handles should not be forgotten either. By adding a hint of charm to your home’s point of entry, you will woo all who come through.
Light it Up
When counseling clients who are preparing to put their home on the market, I ALWAYS stress that the home should be well lit.
Well, this goes further than the inside of your home. Simply updating light fixtures can put your home in a new bracket. Focus on front porch lights as well as curb lamps.
Be sure to consider both the style and color of your home. You do not want urban modern if you live in a Farmhouse.
Wash with Power
After the winter or rainy season, the exteriors of our homes can collect all sorts of dirt and stains. Get a power washer and wash wash wash!
This is something I notice when showing homes that frequently gets overlooked. You can spend hundreds of dollars sprucing up your yard, but if you forget to pay attention to the exterior cleanliness of the actual house, it will turn buyers off immediately.
De-Clutter
I hold this curb appeal tip in the highest regard. No matter how clean your home is, or how gorgeous you’ve made your yard look. If there are random odds and ends scattered throughout, your home instantly looks gross.
Be sure to pick up the kid’s toys after they’ve been well used throughout the day. Clean up your yard tools. Don’t leave bags of leaves or yard scum sitting about. And, for the love of all that is good and holy, HIDE YOUR GARBAGE CANS on the side of your home or in the garage! SO many homeowners leave their garbage cans sitting in plain view and they instantly make the home look less appealing.
And there you have it folks. This can all be done in a matter of a day or two! Your home doesn’t have to remain the ugly house on the block. Take a deep breath, drink your coffee, set out some lemonade, put on your work clothes and hop to it!
Happy Spring Cleaning!