Curb appeal is defined as the general attractiveness of a property from a sidewalk or “curb” view. The term is mostly used by real estate agents when working with sellers and buyers. This view includes the property itself and the things around it. So in a residential neighborhood, this would be the home, the front lawn and landscaping, mailbox, and sometimes even the backyard.
If your home has good curb appeal, then it’s more likely to be valued higher, and that means it’s more likely to sell (and sell at a higher price) if you ever decide to put it on the market. Most people tend to focus on the interior of their home— which is very important— but many neglect the look of the exterior, which is just as important during an appraisal.
#1: Power Wash and Paint Your House
The first thing you should do to enhance your home’s curb appeal is to power wash your house. Over time, homes collect dirt, dust, pollen, and other particles that can make the color look dull. Sometimes, a good pressure washer can make a home look brand new.
One you’ve power washed your home, you’ll be able to determine if it needs a new coat of paint. A lot of times, power cleaning reveals a brighter, more vibrant color, and painting isn’t actually necessary. However, you can still decide to paint your home if you choose. Just be extremely careful if you have a multi-story home, or avoid the risk altogether and call a professional.
#2: Update the Exterior
Over time, certain things on the outside of your home need to be replaced. If you’ve lived in your home for over 20 years, it’s likely that your garage door needs to be replaced. If you’ve lived in your home for over 25 years and you have an asphalt roof, then it’s time to update your roof. You should also do regular inspections to know when to update your siding and your gutters.
You may also want to update some other things on the exterior of your home, such as your windows and front door. Difficulty opening and closing your front door (or any door) may be a sign that it’s time to replace it. Visibly damaged windows and windows older than 20 years should also be replaced.
#3: Take Care of Your Lawn
Other than the house itself, your front lawn is one of the most important aspects of curb appeal. Make sure you’re doing the basics of taking care of your lawn, such as mowing, watering, raking leaves, and pulling weeds. Unfortunately there are lawn problems that make this simple task not so simple, so consulting a lawn care company may be helpful to you. Compare lawn care services to determine which companies will help enhance your curb appeal.
Once your lawn is healthy and thriving, consider some landscaping. Plant flowers and other plants that will compliment the style of your home. You can even plant flower beds around any trees in your yard or your mailbox.
#4: Don’t Forget the Backyard
Even though curb appeal mainly focuses on the front of the home, it’s still a good idea to make sure that your backyard looks just as good as the front. This also includes power washings, paint jobs, and replacements that can be applied to the back (and sides) of your home. If you choose to go with landscaping, make sure that the landscaping in the back doesn’t clash with the landscaping in the front.
Another helpful tip is to design a family-friendly backyard. Gathering areas are always a great place to start, so a backyard patio or deck would be a great addition. You’ll want to create a family-friendly backyard if you want to sell your home in the future, because family-friendly environments attract buyers.
Conclusion
In residential areas, one home’s curb appeal can have a positive or negative impact on the entire neighborhood. This is one of the main reasons why homeowners associations (HOAs) are created within neighborhoods. Just one home with poor curb appeal can potentially bring down the value of all of the homes in that neighborhood.
So curb appeal is very important, even if you don’t plan on selling your home in the near or distant future. Many of the ways to enhance curb appeal are just routine maintenance that every homeowner needs to do over the years, and regular weekly yard work.