6 Easy Ways to Boost Curb Appeal
By Meredith Hale
It’s no secret that curb appeal is a crucial factor in selling a house. Presenting your property in the best possible light doesn’t have to be complicated or costly. Here are six easy ways to boost the curb appeal of your home.
Add some green
Fresh flowers and greenery go a long way toward freshening up your yard. If you don’t have the time or money for full-on landscaping, put new mulch in the front yard and flower beds, and add low-maintenance plants. Texas Lantana is a good choice in Houston. This easygoing plant has colorful flowers, and it grows well even in poor soil. Planters in strategic places add color and class. If you have enough room by your front door, put symmetrical planters with colorful flowers on either side. This trick will attract a buyer’s eye to the entrance.
Maintain your yard
Mow the grass, pull weeds, rake leaves, and remove any trash and clutter. You’ll also want to trim trees and overgrown bushes or hedges. Do this regularly while your house is on the market. As far as mowing goes, you’ll want to do it regularly. According to LawnStarter, the most popular mowing frequency in Houston is biweekly and costs $37 to have your lawn mowed, edged and trimmed by a professional.
Power-wash
Blast the years of dirt and grime from your home’s surfaces with a good pressure-wash. Buy or rent a power-washer from a home improvement store, and go to work on your home’s siding, deck, patio, driveway, and walkways. This will help your home really shine. It could also save you the cost and hassle of repainting your house. Of course, if your paint is cracked or peeling, you will probably need to repaint.
Refresh or replace doors
Painting or restaining your garage and front doors can instantly update your home’s exterior. Choose splashes of color that coordinate with your house for a fresh look. Adding new hardware (door knobs, latches, locks) is another small change that can make a big difference. If money allows, consider replacing your old front door with a new one in a contemporary color (blue is big this year). New garage doors will also add an updated, modern look.
Spruce up your entryway
The entryway is a buyer’s first introduction to your home, so why not make it a good one? Hang a seasonal wreath on that refreshed door, and place a welcome mat on the doorstep. If you have enough room, consider a small seating area that conveys comfort and relaxation. New, easy-to-see address numbers are another nice touch.
Add lighting
Lighting is a fun and inexpensive way to brighten your home’s exterior. Clean dirt and cobwebs from existing light fixtures. Consider replacing them if they’re rusty or outdated. Add elegance and warmth by stringing lights across your patio or placing solar lights along pathways and driveways.
Following these six steps will help your house stand out and make a lasting impression on potential buyers. Strong curb appeal might mean fewer days on the market, which would be a good payoff for your effort and time.
Meredith Hale is a gardening and landscape writer, and design addict. She has coordinated the design on many house-flipping projects and freely admits her favorite part is creating inspired outdoor spaces.