How to Improve Curb Appeal When Selling Your Home

Let’s be honest — we don’t live in our front yard so we tend to overlook the many cobwebs, grease stains, and water stains that accumulate there. But never, ever underestimate the importance of curb appeal to a potential buyer. A buyer’s critical eye will not miss a detail, however, especially when they are standing on the front step waiting for the Realtor to open the door.

Does Improving Curb Appeal Increase Home Value?

Wondering if enhancing curb appeal truly boosts your home’s value? You’ve probably heard about the benefits of sprucing up your outdoor space — things like adding landscaping, tidying up bushes, and giving your home’s exterior a thorough cleaning. But does it really work? According to research from Michigan State University, investing in curb appeal can actually bump up your home’s perceived value by 5 to 11%. While this percentage might not initially seem significant, it could mean a substantial $33,000 increase for a $300,000 home sale! With such potential financial gains, it’s worth the time and effort to give your home’s exterior a boost!

How Can I Improve My Curb Appeal When Selling My House?

Curb appeal is literally the first impression and sets the tone for how a buyer will view the rest of the house. When staging your home for sale, remember the goal for the home’s exterior is the same as the interior:  a clean, open, sunny, and well-manicured look. Use these home staging tips to maximize your curb appeal and make the best first impression:

Top Curb Appeal Tips for Selling Your Home

1. Keep the yard green and trimmed.
   • Mow and edge regularly (weekly).  A lush, green, weed-free lawn gives the impression that the home is also well-cared for. An overgrown, dried-out yard gives the opposite impression to potential buyers.
   • Trim bushes and hedges (no shagginess).
   • Add fresh bark or mulch to flower beds.
   • Remove or replace dead and dying shrubbery.
2. Declutter the yard.
   • Get kid toys, empty flower pots, and garden equipment out of sight.
   • Hide trash cans. Roll up the hose or remove it entirely.
   • Keep the driveway clear of extra cars as much as possible (park down the street).
3. Clean, clean, clean!
   • Power wash the porch, sidewalks, driveway, front door, and siding if necessary (this makes a HUGE difference in many homes, making them look fresher and, thus, newer).
   • Remove mildew and cobwebs from eaves.
   • Clean and shine all windows and light fixtures.
4. Make investments in updates that have a high impact.
   • Freshen up the front door and garage door with a new coat of paint.
   • Add two to three flowerpots of matching color to help dramatize your entrances. Don’t overcrowd the entryway, but give it just enough warmth by adding something everyone loves–flowers.
   • Replace any outdated brass light fixtures in the front of the house. Use iron, black, rust or brown.
   • Invest in a new oversized, natural bristle doormat. This is an inexpensive way to give the doorway a larger, cleaner feel.
   • Add a bench, rocker, or bistro table and chairs to help buyers imagine themselves relaxing out front.
   • Replace or update the mailbox if necessary.
   • Update or add house address numbers under lighting. This also helps to ensure buyers and Realtors can find the house!

Standing in front of your home with critical “buyers’ eyes” is always difficult for any home seller, but it’s critical in the success of the sale. Don’t take it personally! This is business–try to think of your house as a product that you must market in the best possible way. How do you think your house compares to others in the neighborhood? How about in home decorating magazines? Drive around the neighborhood to assess and compare the competition.

Need More Help Getting Your Home Market-Ready?

Take a look below at how Three Bears Home Staging is helping home sellers everywhere prepare for a faster, more profitable sale!

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