- According to NAR, improve curb appeal for up to 6 7% more in sale price.
- Proper landscaping, trimming hedges and trees, and upgrading pathways & plant beds are crucial.
- Add colorful accents and upgrade doors & windows to create eye-catching displays.
- Building outdoor amenities like decks & patios can make the property more appealing.
- Fire pits create an inviting atmosphere and add aesthetic to the home’s exterior.
Improving curb appeal is one of the most effective tactics for selling real estate, and the statistics back it up. According to a study by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 43% of prospective buyers are more likely to buy a property if they find the exterior attractive. This means a property with good curb appeal can sell for up to 6-7% more than one with poor curb appeal. Moreover, this same study found that over 75% of agents felt that enhancing curb appeal was one of the most important things they could do when preparing their clients’ homes for sale.
Making a great first impression on prospective buyers cannot be overstated. Curb appeal can indicate to potential buyers how well kept and loved a home has been throughout its life—and, conversely, how much work needs to be done before they can move in and make it their own. A home’s landscaping, paint job, or newly-installed front door all provide value beyond what is seen on paper but can impact whether or not someone decides to purchase it.
However, improving the curb appeal can be daunting for those who have never done it. To help, here are some of the most common and effective ways to improve your home’s curb appeal when selling real estate:
Proper Landscaping
Landscaping is one of the most important factors to consider when attempting to improve the curb appeal of a residential property. It can make a massive difference in how prospective buyers perceive a home. Not only can landscapes create visual interest, but they can also add value and marketability to a property.
Prioritize High-Impact Areas
Regarding landscaping for curb appeal, it’s important to prioritize those areas that are most visible from the street and capture people’s attention. Focusing on the front lawn, walkways, entranceways, and flower beds are all critical components of an effective landscape design. Planning and considering each part of your landscape design will ensure you create an attractive and inviting outdoor space for potential buyers.
Trim Hedges and Trees
Overgrown hedges or trees can be off-putting, so trimming them back will help keep the landscape tidy. Trimming also creates uniformity between various plants or trees, adding an element of sophistication to your yard and creating visual interest from the street. Additionally, trimming hedges will reduce potential maintenance costs as they won’t have grown too large for easy pruning or removal if necessary.
Upgrade Pathways and Plant Beds
Pathways should be weed-free so prospective buyers don’t feel overwhelmed by unruly foliage when viewing a property. Plant beds should also be maintained regularly; trimming dead or dying plants will keep pathways looking neat and give visitors an insight into how well cared for your property is—even from just outside its borders! In addition, upgrading footpaths with attractive materials like stone pavers or decorative tiles can add an extra layer of charm to catch people’s attention at first glance.
Add Colorful Accents
Adding colorful accents, such as potted flowers near entranceways or along pathways, can bring life to any landscape design. Brightly colored flowers can brighten up any space while providing an inviting aesthetic for guests arriving at your home. Plus, colorful plants provide appealing contrast against white house paint colors, making for a truly eye-catching display from the street!
Improved Doors and Windows
Doors and windows are integral to a home’s exterior and can significantly impact its curb appeal. Replacing them with newer, more aesthetically pleasing models will instantly improve the look of any property. Sliding door installations are especially desirable because they provide an extra layer of security and make a bold design statement from the street. The intricate mechanism can make any property stand out, and the modern designs will surely pique the interest of prospective buyers.
Newly installed or upgraded windows should match the house’s style and color scheme. The right window can brighten an otherwise dull exterior, providing natural light and ventilation throughout the home’s interior. An energy-efficient model could also benefit prospective buyers looking to save money on their utility bills.
In addition to boosting curb appeal, new doors and windows come with other advantages too. For example, they can help insulate against cold temperatures during winter while keeping out dust and debris during summertime. This means prospective buyers will know that their investment is sound regarding looks and functionality. So these improvements make your property stand out from the rest—they could be instrumental in helping it sell faster too!
Building Outdoor Amenities
Adding outdoor amenities like decks or patios can increase the marketability of a home and its value. These features provide prospective buyers with an additional living space where family members and friends can gather for leisurely activities, such as barbecues or just lounging outside in the sun. Having these areas spruced up can make a property more appealing, so it’s worth investing in them if you’re trying to sell your real estate quickly.
One popular amenity is a fire pit, which can provide hours of entertainment while also adding to the aesthetic of a home’s exterior. Fire pits come in various shapes and sizes, so there’s something suitable for every property. When properly installed, they create an inviting atmosphere that prospective buyers will surely notice—and love!
Final Thoughts
By following these tips, sellers can make their homes stand out and attract more potential buyers. With a few simple changes, you can drastically improve the curb appeal of your property and significantly increase its marketability. So, if you want to sell real estate quickly and effectively, invest in improving your curb appeal first!
