6 Ideas to Improve Curb Appeal (& Boost Property Value!)

a rural one storey house

Curb appeal is a big factor when it comes to gaining interest in your home when it’s up for sale. People are not too keen on looking at a house where the grass is knee height, the shrubbery is overgrown, and the house could use a good power washing. Even if you do take care of basic yard maintenance, you could always do more to make your house really stand out. 

Keep reading to learn our top six ideas to improve curb appeal, boost resale value, and attract more potential buyers to your home.

1. Add New Light Fixtures

a property pictured from the outside with lights on inside

You’d be amazed by how much of an impact new light fixtures can have on your property’s curb appeal! New light fixtures by the front door should be the right size in comparison to the front door. Small light fixtures won’t make a statement, so they’re less likely to attract buyers and add to the resale value of a property.

A good rule of thumb when choosing light fixtures by the front door is if you have one light, it should be ⅓ of the door’s height. If you have a light on either side of the door, each light should be ¼ the door’s height. 

2. Upgrade Windows & Doors

Updating the windows and doors of your house improves curb appeal and can make your property more desirable to potential buyers. Replacement windows cost between $200 to $500 per window, according to Forbes, sometimes less depending on the window type and size.

But the added value can be significant. New windows and doors make a property look more modern. With more millennial buyers wanting a property that’s low maintenance and ready to move into immediately, new windows can be a big draw.

Plus, new windows can also help save on energy costs if you get energy-efficient ones. We recommend looking for EnergyStar-approved products, so you know what to look for besides that EnergyStar sticker. 

3. Re-Paint

Sometimes all your house needs is a fresh coat of paint to make a statement. Depending on where you live, you may have a limited array of colors you can paint your house – especially if you live in a neighborhood with an HOA (Home Owner’s Association).

However, if there aren’t any color restrictions, the sky’s the limit! We recommend choosing a color that isn’t too loud, like a bright yellow, because that could work against you when selling.

4. Change Textures & Materials

a stone pathway leading into a property

The house’s facade doesn’t have to be all one material. You can switch things up by adding stone veneers or brick all the way around the bottom third of the house.

You can also use wood to make a unique front porch or wrought iron for the banisters and railing to the steps. Browse ideas to improve curb appeal online for inspiration. Or simply drive around your neighborhood to see what other homeowners have done to boost curb appeal.

5. Get Professional Landscaping

According to insights from top-selling agents, you can’t go wrong with landscaping done by a bonafide landscaping professional. They can turn your average lawn (with all its weeds!) into a lusciously green lawn.

A good landscaper can also improve curb appeal with native flowers, trees, and shrubs that thrive in your region. This is an attractive feature for potential buyers, as it reduces garden maintenance long-term.

6. Improve Driveways & Walkways

Your curb appeal may be coming together nicely, but if your driveway, sidewalk, or walkways are dirty or in need of some serious repair, it can ruin all of that hard work. Give the surfaces a good power washing if you want to improve curb appeal and sell a house faster.

If you want to change things entirely, you could hire a hard scraper to create a custom design using stone, brick, stamped concrete, or a combination of any of these materials. 

Summary

Now is a good time to put your house on the market. It’s a strong seller’s market in practically every market around the country. You can gain the most interest by working on improving your property’s curb appeal, and these are just a few ideas to get you started.

Before making major or expensive property renovations, it’s a good idea to speak to a local real estate agent for advice. They can advise what improvements will add the most valuable and attract local buyers to your property.

Are you thinking about selling your property in Philadelphia or San Diego? We buy houses fast for cash at Brotherly Love Real Estate. Contact us today online or call our expert team at (215) 769-9875.