Realtors agree that curb appeal is one of the most important factors to consider when selling your home. a how-to article describing what to do to improve the appeal of the outside of your home to prospective buyers. realtors agree that curb appeal is one of the most important factors to consider when selling your home. a how-to article describing what to do to improve the appeal of the outside of your home to prospective buyers. Realtors agree that curb appeal is one of the most important factors in selling a home. A how-to article describing inexpensive ways to make your home more appealing to prospective buyers.
Realtors list curb appeal, the welcoming quality that belongs to a home, visible from the street, as one of the biggest assets homebuyers look for. They note that no matter how well the inside of a home has been cared for, or how well the interior matches the requirements of a prospective buyer, if the curb appeal is not welcoming many of those in the market for buying a new home will drive by without a desire to make an appointment for seeing the home.
There are many inexpensive ways to improve the quality in the curb appeal of a home. The following is a list of ideas for those who may be ready to put a house on the market. These improvements are relatively easy and inexpensive projects that can create a welcoming appeal and at the same time, may add more value to your home.
TRIMMING SHRUBBERY
Like many other signs of neglect, shrubbery and other greenery that looks unkempt may prompt an unwelcomed question in prospective homebuyers: what else on the home's premise has been neglected? Many may assume that if shrubbery has not been cared for then perhaps the rest of the home has not been maintained properly.
Keeping the greenery neat and well-shaped sends the signal that the home has been cared for. Performing this task is very inexpensive and should take no more than an hour or two of time to complete. Keeping the shrubbery in line with other greenery or outdoor decorations presents an eye-pleasing picture from the street.
If shrubbery is so large that is prevents visitors from walking up steps to the home, having them taken out may need to be considered. Aside from making the home appear much smaller, it may present a safety hazard. It may also appear to prospective buyers as something that must be taken care of, before ever entering the home.
Trimming shrubbery is a very easy job, but there are professionals who are more than qualified to perform this task if desired. Expect to pay approximately thirty five to forty dollars per hour if you decided to hire a pro.
PORCH AND RAILINGS IN GOOD REPAIR
With time and the elements, porch railing can become wobbly. This presents not only an eyesore but a safety hazard, as well. Railings can cause damage to the steps they are attached to, increasing the cost of any future repairs that may be necessary to ensure a safe step up to the porch or door.
Many times all that is required to fix wobbly railings is a tightening of a few bolts. Most porch railings are held in place with lag bolts, large screws with a bolt-type head. If they become loose, simply turn them clockwise with an adjustable wrench; this should tighten them.
Sometimes, if railings are screwed into the brick of a home, the sheath may become busted or worn. If this is the case, they need to be replaced. These are relatively inexpensive to purchase, and replacing them is not a difficult task. When removing the screws and sheaths, the railing will come off. All that is needed in replacing the old sheath and screws is a screwdriver and perhaps twenty minutes of your time. Check for security once you have replaced these items and have once again mounted the rails onto the porch.
Once again, there are professional contractors who can be hired is so desired. Expect to pay anywhere from forty to one hundred dollars for the job.
SHUTTERS
Shutters can add a nice touch to a home. In good shape, they add another dimension to the brick, stone, or other exterior finish. In bad shape, they can send a signal of neglect to prospective buyers.
More often than not, a simple sanding and a coat or two of exterior house paint can do wonders for shutters in need of a sprucing up.
It takes a little extra time but if possible, remove the shutters from the house before sanding, if necessary, and painting. An excellent work table for this project can be made from an old door, placed upon two sawhorses. Clean the shutters off with a clean cloth, then lightly sand and paint. Either spray paint or brushing the paint on is fine for this job. Give one or two coats, if desired, and allow ample time to completely dry before mounting the shutters back onto the home.
PAINTING: TOUCH UPS
Many homes are brick, with a small amount of wood trim, such as is found on porches and perhaps a small area on the ends of the home. The elements over a number of years can leave the paint on these areas cracked or dull in appearance.
Providing a touch up of paint will add a fresh look to the home. Depending on the size of the area, purchase an appropriate amount of exterior paint and allow between two to three hours to complete this job. Sometimes sanding may be necessary before the paint can be applied; this step will help cure the new coat of paint much better than if simply applying the paint to a cracked surface. A palm sander is a very practical tool to use for this part of the project.
HOUSE NUMBERS: CAN THEY FIND YOU?
This job may seem insignificant; however, if a prospective buyer is unable to find your home due to a lack of a visible address, all your previous efforts in adding a pleasant curb appeal may have been in vain.
If you have a house number engraved into the exterior of your home, make sure it is visible from the street. If they are recessed into the brick or stone, paint the numbers so they will easily stand out. An excellent method for this small task is to use a cotton swab, dipped in paint, and apply carefully to the engraved numbers.
A house number mounted on to the house, over the garage, for example, should also be visible from the street. If the numbers are rusted or have pieces missing, it's a good idea to paint them, or replace them entirely if there are indeed pieces missing.
The same is true for numbers on mailboxes; if they are incomplete, it's a good idea to replace them, either with new numbers or by stenciling them on to the mailbox.
PLANTS, FLOWERS, AND LAWN
A nicely manicured lawn is perhaps the best way to show pride in home ownership. While the lawn and other trimmings, such as flowers and plants, are not in themselves an actual part of the home they do surround and adorn it.
By keeping a neat manicure to the lawn, and pruning plants and flowers, the home can be showcased as a complete package. Keeping the areas around trees, lawn ornaments, and sidewalks trimmed and neat adds a layer of neatness, too, to the home.
Flowers, especially, add a nice touch under windows, on porhces, and in beds. They add color and depth, making the home appear cared for and enjoyed.
Following these tips can add a cared-for look to your home, often inviting a prospective buyer to take a closer look.
