30 Unique Ways to Make Your Home More Attractive
Estimated reading time: 11 minutes
As you consider selling your home, there are steps you can take to get your home ready before putting it on the market. A buyer’s first impression about your home is directly related to the “curb appeal” or how your home appears from the outside as it is being approached. Stand across the street to assess your home and take a fresh perspective as if you were a potential buyer or someone driving by seeing it for the first time. You want the best impression that leads to a sale, and this article gives you 30 ways to get you started.
Curb appeal is described as the attractiveness and perceived value of a home as seen from the outside, and it can make or break the number of interested buyers who wish to see the inside. Usually, the perception is that if the outside of the home is in great condition, so is the structural integrity and interior of the home.
It is estimated that a home’s value increases anywhere from 5.5% to as much as 12.7% more with proper landscaping alone, so it should come as no surprise that doing a little bit now to increase curb appeal will yield a larger payoff when it comes time to sell. Even if you are not ready to sell your home, enhancing the exterior of the home will dramatically improve its value and aesthetics as well as provide you with a sense of pride and accomplishment. Read more to determine what you may be able to do to increase the curb appeal in your home.
REPAIRS & REPLACEMENTS ARE NON-NEGOTIABLE
No buyer wants to see items in disrepair, so it’s best to take care of them before the house is put on the market. You won’t get a second chance to make a first impression, so write down your home’s positives and negatives and begin to make the necessary improvements.
Repair Loose Handrails
Loose or broken handrails are definite safety hazards, and fixing or replacing them should be a top priority. Whether a few short steps to the front door or on a deck, all handrails should be solid and able to withstand pressure from leaning against them.
Mend the Fences
If you have a fence, make sure that it’s in good working condition. Fence panels should not be loose or easily moved, and posts should be solidly anchored in the ground. Holes and broken pieces should also be replaced, and gates should not sag or lean one way or the other. A freshly painted or stained fence can also make a world of difference.
All Cracked Up
Not only are concrete sidewalks and driveways in disrepair unsightly, but they can also create safety hazards and cause water to infiltrate or pool in areas it shouldn’t. With a few of the right tools and supplies, cracks can be fixed before they become too large a problem.
Update the Garage Door Broken or dented garage door panels or springs should be replaced by a professional to avoid serious injury, but a fresh coat of paint or a power wash can provide a quick facelift to your garage door. Don’t forget to be sure that all doors have functional locking mechanisms as well.
Repair the Screens
The purpose of a screen is to keep bugs out, so a hole is an obvious sign that the screen is not doing its job. Window and door screens are easy to replace and are relatively inexpensive if you use the proper tools and maintain tension when attaching the screen material to the frame.
Close the Gaps
Inspect each window and door from the outside to see if there are any gaps in which new caulking should be applied. Most exterior caulking is good for 7-10 years, but you can tell if caulk needs replacing when it is missing, cracked, or if it crumbles when touched.
Power Away the Dirt
Clean the driveway, sidewalk, and the house’s exterior with a good power wash and some mild soap. A clean exterior is easily attainable with a pressure washer and will instantly make the home look newer and more cared for.
Mailbox Upgrade
If your mailbox is old, rusty, or dirty, replace it with a new one that complements the style of your home. If you live in an HOA, make sure it meets the community standards. Be sure that the post is also in good condition.
Clean Windows and Gutters Ensuring they are clean and in good condition can make a substantial difference in your home’s appearance and in the overall health of the roof. Clean out gutters and fix any that are sagging or broken.
LAWN MAINTENANCE & OUTDOOR SPACES SHOWS THAT YOU CARE
By keeping your landscaping healthy and providing additional outdoor areas to enjoy, you will increase the value of the home and its curb appeal. A well-maintained lawn with trimmed trees and bushes, a separate area to relax and unwind, and unique features add to the overall look and value of your property.
Lawn Maintenance
Mow the lawn regularly to keep it green and weed-free. If overgrown bushes or trees obstruct the view of the exterior, remove or trim them significantly to showcase the home.
Hide the Eyesores
Use fencing, panels, a trellis, bushes, or even fake rocks to hide unsightly things like air conditioners, garbage cans, hoses, meters, or outdoor plumbing pipes.
Protect with Post Caps
Did you know that the purpose of post caps is to protect the supporting posts by covering the tops where water can seep in? They come in a variety of styles and finishes and add a stylish touch to any fence.
Install/Replace Shutters
Window shutters complement a home’s exterior style and color, adding character and depth. They can also protect the windows in harsh weather, provide privacy and security, and help regulate the interior temperature.
Make an Entrance
While gates are more functional than a garden arch, either one acts as a visual separation between spaces and creates a transition between different areas of the yard. You can make a statement with an arch that doubles as a trellis or a decorative gate.
Throw Some Shade
With an umbrella or canopy that attaches to the side of your home, you can have some significant shade, lowering the temperature in the immediate area and creating a cooler, more comfortable place. Also, consider using a pergola, awning, or gazebo near a large shade tree!
Set the Boundaries
By putting up a small corner fence at the property boundaries, you are showing a visual distinction between your yard and neighboring property without building an entire fence. Play it up with some colorful flowers or shrubs.
Step on It
Limited only by your imagination, stepping stones through the yard can be anything from mosaic to wood slices, concrete forms, and pavers. Regardless of what style you choose, they can add depth and color to an otherwise bland yard.
Have a Seat
Anywhere a separate seating area exists, more living space will be created in the minds of potential buyers. From a small garden bench tucked away in a corner to a large pergola, additional entertainment and seating areas will be welcome additions for friends and family.
Light It Up
Illuminate your pathway or driveway with outdoor lighting to enhance safety and create a warm, inviting ambiance. With thousands of types of outdoor lighting to choose from, outdoor lighting will be a pleasant bonus to potential buyers.
Show Some Personality
Add a little bit of decoration with a carefully chosen fountain, birdhouse, wind chimes, statues, sculptures, or other outdoor-friendly décor items that highlight the personality of the home and neighborhood.
Stencil the Patio
By using an inexpensive stencil and some colorful exterior paint, you can create a stunning effect by stenciling a boring concrete patio surface. With a wide variety of patterns and sizes, you will easily find a stencil that works for you.
FRONT DOOR & PORCH AREA
As a visitor approaches the front door, they should feel more drawn into the home. Adding more warmth, personality, color, and décor will encourage them to want to step inside. Here are some ideas to use at or near the front door of your home.
Paint It Pretty
Change the tone of your home by changing the paint color of the front door. You can also choose a contrasting color but make sure the color won’t turn buyers away!
Put Out the Welcome Mat
Let people know they are welcome to come in while, at the same time, providing a place to wipe their feet. Layering more than one welcome mat in contrasting colors adds a special touch.
Use Symmetry & Balance
Using similar or even the same items on each side of the door creates a sense of balance and structure to the front door. The most common items are planters and urns, but lanterns and small tables will work just as well.
Put a Wreath on It
A decorative wreath can add a welcoming touch to your home’s entrance, especially during festive seasons. Consider changing the wreath for each appropriate season or holiday.
Show the Numbers
Clearly noticeable and stylish house numbers prominently placed near the door will make a home easier to locate and look more polished. Choose from a variety of styles and finishes to make a dramatic impact!
Change the Hardware
Replace old doorknobs, knockers, wreath hangers, mail slots, peepholes, or other hardware for a fresh, updated look. Consider a kick plate at the bottom of the door for a more sophisticated look.
Add Potted Plants or Flowers Add plants or flowers to provide colorful accents and increase the appeal. Whether in window boxes, hanging planters, or in urns, plants and flowers add a warm touch to the front of your home.
Add a Comfy Seating Area Whether you choose a porch swing, bistro set, or a simple bench, providing a place to sit allows for more enjoyment of the outdoors, a gathering place for friends and family, or simply a quiet place to reflect.
Stop the Squeak
Hearing a loud squeak when using a door may elicit thoughts in a buyer’s mind of possible disrepair in other areas of the home. Oil the door hinges and make sure the doors do not “stick” by sanding edges that are too tight to the door frame.
By carefully considering the view from the street and making any of these updates, you can significantly enhance your home’s curb appeal, making it more attractive to both guests and potential buyers. If you want a neutral observer to assess your home’s curb appeal, please invite me over for an assessment of your home’s curb appeal today!