Our team is often asked by potential sellers about projects they should complete in order to increase their home’s value before selling. Projects such as a kitchen remodel or master bathroom refresh are great but they are big projects. Instead, let’s have a look at some incredibly inexpensive updates you can do to increase the curb appeal of your home without breaking the bank.
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Front Door
Let’s start with the obvious. Every potential buyer of your home will walk through that front door so why not make it as perfect as can be. I’ll admit–our front door has scratch marks on the inside from our beautiful Shar Pei, Sarah. That’s fine while we’re living here but that’s the first thing I’ll fix when we list our home for sale. A quick sanding and painting or stainings will make your curb appeal so much better and with very little cost or effort.
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Lighting
Exterior lighting will certainly help when your buyers view the home in the evening. In actuality, it is dark around 5pm in the winter so adding exterior lighting aimed at landscaping and the walkway can go a long way to enhancing curb appeal. This set of pathway lights is well under $50 and is absolutely beautiful! Also, be sure that outdoor flood lights and overhead lighting at the entryway have working lightbulbs. You would be surprised at how often I show property in the evening and the entryway is dark.
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The Garbage and Recycling Bins
We all have these at home but some people place them better than others. The most common place we see these large bins is inside the garage. They can certainly have a smell to them but more importantly, they take up valuable space that buyers will want for their cars or other storage. Instead, do as my neighbor did. Find a place on the side of the house for them and plant hedges around them to block them from view. You’ll need to check with your Homeowner’s Assocation first but that is the ideal way to store the bins.
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House Numbers
When we’re driving buyers to your home for a showing, what are we all looking for? Your house numbers! If they’re old and rusted, falling down, or jsut unattactice, consider replacing them. It is so inexpensive. You can get beautiful house numbers like these for under $50.
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Your Mailbox
Do you have an old mailbox on a wooden pole? It’s time for an upgrade! Your buyer will pass the mailbox on their way to the driveway so make sure it is not an eyesore.
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It’s Time to Mulch
This is my favorite item to see when touring property. Nothing makes your house look immediately better than freshly laid mulch. All flower beds and the areas surrounding your home need to be mulched. Ace Hardware even offers free delivery!
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Pressure Wash Everything!
- You might not even notice that your driveway isn’t looking it’s best, the roof tiles are dirty, or the irrigation has left stains on the walls of the home. A good pressure washer will take care of all that. It is truly amazing to see the before and after pictures of when people pressure wash their homes.
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Trim the Hedges and Tend to Flowers
This one just takes a little bit of effort and no money at all (unless you need a trimmer). YOu’ve seen beautiful hedges with crisp edges to make them all uniformly tall. It’s a beautiful sight and one that your potential buyer will surely appreciate.
You Can Do It! It’s Worth the Effort!
If you tackle each of the projects mentioned above, your house will look so much better than the competition–that’s a promise! Most sellers will not take the time to complete these tasks and that’s a good thing as it will make your home stand out.