The outside of your home is the only chance you have to make a first impression. This is why curb appeal is important: though we’re often told not to judge a book by its cover, we can’t help but do it anyway.
There are a few reasons why improving an exterior is vital for homeowners. If you’re selling, for example, it’s what prospective buyers see first, giving it the potential to sway their decision before they even set foot inside.
Fortunately, curb appeal doesn’t involve taking out a second mortgage; there’s cost efficient tricks that go a long way. So, if you’re looking to spruce up your property, consider some of the following:
Beautify the Front Door
According to Better Homes and Garden, the front door is a focal point; it’s what people look at when they drive by. A few ways to make it stand out include adding a fresh coat of paint, buying a new wood door, polishing the knob and fixtures, and decorating it with a personal touch. A year-round wreath, seasonal décor, or a nameplate works well for the latter.
Light it Up
Outdoor lighting doesn’t only improve the look of your exterior, it offers an element of practicality, as well. This type of lighting provides safety whenever you walk around after sunset, and deters criminals, too. Robbers and burglars like to work under the cover of darkness, not under a blaring spotlight.
Put in a Garden
Most people refrain from gardening because of the effort involved; shrubs need attention, and lots of it. Yet, not all plants are needy. If you want a garden without the work, consider purchasing hardy plants from garden centers. There are certain kinds that thrive without a lot of hands-on TLC.
Add Window Boxes
You can certainly spruce up your exterior by installing new windows, but those cost a several thousand dollars. If you don’t want to spend that kind of money, consider building window boxes. These boxes make your windows more visually appealing by adding dimension and color. You can also use them to plant seasonal flowers, which ups their aesthetics even more.
Keep in Mind the Little Things
From mowing the lawn to adding a birdhouse, from painting the mailbox to trimming the bushes, there are all sorts of little things that make up curb appeal. And you can do a lot with only a few dollars. One way to enhance your home’s exterior is by using bold colors. Per This Old House, you can do this by buying bright red patio chairs and adding them to your porch.
Whether you’re staying put or moving away, curb appeal is something most people want: it helps a house become a home. You can spend a lot of money landscaping and rebuilding, but if you want fast, cheap fixes, consider the above.
If you’re looking for a realtor in the Seattle area, get in touch with us. From curb appeal to housing deals, we can help, and we look forward to working with you.