The Deal with Curb Appeal? Maximize Your Home’s Exterior with Minimal Investment!

You’ve probably heard the phrase, “It’s what’s on the inside that counts” before. However, when it comes to real estate, it is often what is on the outside that is crucial toward drawing prospective buyers in. And, as we all know, first impressions can be hard to get over. So, yes, when it comes to the real estate market, what’s on the outside counts… in a big way.

If you’re planning to sell your home or if you just pride yourself on having the most manicured house on the block, what can you do to maximize your outdoor assets? Here are a few tips for making the most of your curb appeal without taking the most from your bank account:

1. Mow and trim, repeat: Particularly in summer, it is important to keep your lawn well-manicured. If you’re planning to list your home, it is even more crucial. Mowing and trimming frequently is also an inexpensive way to enhance your home’s natural curb appeal.

2. Draw them to your driveway: Though you may not automatically think your driveway should be included as a part of your home’s curb appeal, you may be surprised what a clean and polished driveway can do for your home’s look. Start by repairing any cracks and complete the pavement makeover with fresh stain to make it shine.

3. Wash shutters and siding: Enhancing curb appeal may not have to be about making changes or additions to your home’s décor. In fact, simple cleanliness can go a long way. During this summer season of selling, wash down your entire home’s exterior to make sure you’re putting your freshest face forward.

4. Make the front door pop: Once you’ve got your home’s exterior clean, make it gleam! A fresh coat of brightly-colored paint on the front door may be all your home needs to shine this summer. Picking a bold color for your front door can add some instant flair to your home’s exterior and it’s an inexpensive way to give your home serious personality.

5. Address your address: Once you’ve made a bold statement with the color of your front door, make sure visitors are able to find your home by sprucing up your house number. At the very least, make sure your house numbers are clean and visible. But, consider giving them their own style by customizing them to match your home’s outdoor décor.

6. Recognize seasonal changes: Your home’s exterior is a great place to celebrate the seasons. Keeping your front door décor seasonal shows that you routinely put thought into your home’s curb appeal. Seasonal wreaths are always great options for decorating and fresh flowers and ferns are a nice touch, too.

7. Light up your work: Once you put in the effort to showing off your front stoop, make sure that passers-by can see it! A new light fixture will not only show off your hard work, but it will also add to your home’s curb appeal. When it comes to lighting, a new front door light fixture is a great start, but you can also add inexpensive accent lighting to your landscaping that will draw visitors’ eyes up to your home.

8. Makeover the mailbox: So, you’ve focused on what’s out front… but, don’t forget the piece of curb appeal that actually can be seen up-close from the curb, your mailbox! It’s another great place to show off style and personality; in fact, your mailbox can complement your home’s exterior. Consider matching that pop of color on your front door or the siding on your house. Undecided about what might best match your home’s style? Start giving your mailbox a facelift simply by cleaning and polishing it.

9. Freshen your flowers: After you’ve addressed those curb appeal items that are actually attached to your home, it’s time to labor over your landscaping. And, you don’t have to invest too much time or money into making your landscaping look presentable. Start by pulling weeds and pruning your current plants. Then, add fresh flowers and mulch as needed.

It may be what’s on the inside of a home that counts, but if curb appeal isn’t up to par this summer, prospective home buyers may never get past what’s outside! Luckily, for anyone planning to sell a home or just enhance their home’s outdoor look, maximizing curb appeal can be done with minimal spending!