How a New Fence Can Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal and Resale Value
That first glance at a house for sale is what it takes to pull a buyer in — or not. New fencing can boost your home’s curb appeal and it also helps with the property’s resale value.
Houses in suburbia generally give off a cozy, friendly impression. But when choosing a neighborhood, homes with front and backyard fencing let buyers know they’ll have some measure of privacy and security. Plus, having a fenced-in yard is safer for children and pets — a real draw for families looking to upgrade their standard of living.
First Impressions
It’s human nature — people tend to make an assumption based on the first impression they have of… anything. Because the front of the house and property is the first thing a buyer sees from the street (after viewing the listing online), a trashy, unkempt lawn and shrubbery beds can be a real turnoff. Because it’s rather unusual to see front yard fencing in a suburban neighborhood, installing a new fence draws the buyer in. Complete the project with the same type of fence material in the backyard.
Aesthetics
Front yard fencing and a fancy gate boosts a property’s curb appeal by giving off a somewhat regal appearance. Making a fence more welcoming depends on the materials used and what vines or shrubbery (if any) you want to plant over or next to it.
House design and architecture determine the best choice for the type of fence to install in the yard. For example, a small cottage cries out for a picket fence (whitewashed, of course). Lattice fences are perfect for spreading floral vines. High privacy fences keep nosy neighbors from spying on your backyard parties. Rail, horizontal, and vertical board fences also help bring buyers to the table.
Cleaning and preserving fences help buyers see a well-maintained property. For an older fence, power wash it yearly or every few years to remove dirt, grime, moss, mildew, and rust. Repaint and reseal after restoration. (While you’re at it, power washing and resealing the backyard deck is also a good idea).
Fence Costs
The cost of placing fencing on your property depends on things like material, linear feet length, municipality permits, and hiring a professional to dig the posts and install the fence. Doing all that yourself should take a few dollars off the overall price (but all that hard work will take its toll on your body). According to FenceGnome.com, the average cost of a fence is from $1,330 to $5,550. The totals include materials and professional labor costs at $8 to $46 per linear foot.
Return on Investment
Fences come in all types of materials, such as vinyl, aluminum steel, wrought iron, wood, and fiberglass, just to name a few. An attractive, sturdy fence can bring a good return on investment (ROI).
Strong, high fences (especially those that are “see-through”) deter vandals and burglars from messing with your home. Home insurance rates may be lower because of fewer theft claims. The cost of building a new fence can be discreetly added to the house’s sale price.
Use Common Sense
Adding the cost of the new fence to the house’s price tag is a sales tactic but realistically, you may not get the entire dollar amount back in the final transaction. For example, if you lay out $5,000 for a fence, the ROI could be around $3,500. But if a nice, new fence is just one thing that draws people to the house, it could lead to buyers engaging in a bidding war.
Buyer Wants and Needs
Figuring out what buyers want and need is neither easy nor complex. Everybody is different, and you cannot please them all. Whether or not a house actually needs a fence is something not all people care about. Also, some buyers may not realize how expensive backyard fencing is, and how much it costs to add the front yard, too. Parents with young children and dog owners are more apt to go for the fenced-in properties. Your professional real estate agents can give you expert advice on what sells best in the neighborhood and whether new fencing might influence a buyer’s perception of the property value. Additionally, a professional company that buys houses in Philadelphia can also chime in with some helpful details regarding this topic.
Fences are a helpful visual when it comes to curb appeal for your Philadelphia home. But the property needs to be clean and well-maintained. Mow, water, fertilize, and treat the lawn for weeds. Power wash the driveway. Spruce up shutters, railings, doors, and walkways. Hang a few flower pots. And, most of all, show your spirit for the City of Brotherly Love.
