A home’s appearance from the outside makes the first impression on potential buyers. Before entering the house, they’re already forming an opinion based on what’s seen walking toward the front door. That’s why it’s critical to wow buyers with a warm, welcoming landscape and home exterior. Here are 10 easy do-it-yourself tips that will excite buyers from the curb.
1. Clean your windows and let the light in. Dirty windows make your house look drab. Clean and shine all windows until they sparkle. Open up blinds and curtains so that your home looks welcoming, not closed up, from the outside. It will also help your home look brighter and cheerier when buyers come inside.
2. Spruce up your door. Look at the front door from a buyer’s perspective. Is it in obvious need of replacement? Or would some refinishing or new paint easily make it look like new? The front door is one of the main features that pop when looking at the house from the front yard, so make sure your door makes a statement! Add a simple seasonal accent wreath or decoration for an added touch.
3. Clean walkways and decks. Concrete walkways, patios, and front decks may need a good power-washing to remove grime and dirt. Power-washers are relatively inexpensive to rent if you don’t have one. The difference a good cleaning makes will make you wish you did this years ago for your own family’s enjoyment.
4. Add color with flowers and planters. Take advantage of the season. Put some fresh color on the front of your home with plenty of blooming flowers in planters, green leaf plants, and fresh mulch in flower beds and around trees. The mulch makes flower color pop. You don’t have to spend a fortune on landscaping. Addressing the basics of flowers and foliage around your front stoop or accent areas in your front yard will increase excitement from the curb.
5. Trim trees and bushes gone wild. Trim trees and bushes around your yard. Any overgrowth will give a wild, unkempt look to your home. In fall months, rake the leaves and remove withering or dead annuals.
6. Light up pathways. Add some solar lighting to your walkway or other areas of the yard that can be accented with warmth. Local hardware stores offer a variety of stylish options.
7. Accent the front porch or garden with furniture. Whether you buy a new chair or refurbish an old flea market bench, outdoor furniture helps create an approachable, welcoming message to buyers. Make sure the pieces you choose are in good condition. If you already have a chair or bench outdoors, adding some brightly colored accent pillows helps improve the look.
8. Get a new doormat. Home owners often overlook their own doormat, not realizing the wear and tear it has undergone through the seasons. Freshen up the entrance to your home with something new.
9. Make over your mailbox. If you have a curbside mailbox in need of repair, check out Pinterest for tons of creative makeover ideas. Adding some décor to the mailbox creates an accent piece to your yard all on its own.
10. Upgrade outdoor hardware. Upgrade contractor’s brass knobs or door knockers. If you don’t want to buy new ones, remove them and spray paint in a dark color that complements your door. Check your house numbers, too. Are they too small and hidden? Chipped? Or worse, missing a number? Replace them with something contemporary and visible. Or spray paint with a color that pops against the background to which they’re attached.