Here are five ways you can create great curb appeal:
1. Change the Front Door
Paint the door a bright color that works with your home’s exterior color. Choose a shade of red or orange for a bold statement, blue or green for a cottage look, or black for a sophisticated, dramatic look. You can add shiny new hardware in brass, bronze, pewter or black or replace the door with a new one that changes the style or adds glass.
2. Manicure the Front Yard
Make sure the yard is green and well manicured without weeds or bare spots. Try planting shrubs or flowers to add color. You can create a special area in the yard for a fountain, flower bed or garden to create interest.
3. Create a Welcoming Front Porch
Refinish or paint the front porch for a fresh new look.
* Add a cozy rocker, bench or chair that feels inviting to visitors.
* Change the porch lighting or add extra lighting with down lights or pendant lights. A dimly lit front porch is not inviting.
4. Install Lighting for Highlights and Security
Add accent lighting to emphasize trees, flower beds or fountains to create atmosphere. Use low-voltage fixtures that don’t use much energy or solar fixtures that use none. Add pathway lighting to emphasize and illuminate the driveway or walkway for safety. Try adding security lighting that comes on as someone approaches the house.
5. Make Your Driveway Attractive
Repair your driveway and walkways. Pavement, cement, stone and other hard surfaces can crack over time. Repairing or replacing damaged areas with Crown Foundation and Concrete Lifting Inc. can do wonders to freshen up your home’s street view. Replace your driveway with new pavers or stones to update the look. Add an interesting border along the driveway with stones, plants or fencing.
The appearance of your home’s exterior can encourage or discourage potential buyers. If your home has great curb appeal, it will encourage buyers to look at the inside. If your home looks run down or uninviting, it can stop buyers at the front door and send them away to look at other homes of interest.
Potential buyers generally think that if a property is run down or needs repairs on the outside, there’s a good chance that the interior looks the same way. This may not always be accurate, but it’s enough to discourage most buyers from pursuing the sale.