Homeowners and realty professionals don’t have time to waste when it comes to selling a home. Yet, if you are not giving attention to curb appeal, this is exactly what could happen. Curb appeal is one of the most important factors when selling a home, as it is what gets a potential buyer to stop and take a closer look. If the interior of your home is stunning, but the exterior lacks attention-grabbing features, people aren't going to schedule a showing. While completely re-landscaping the yard can feel like the solution to this problem, in reality you likely don't have the time, or budget, for this type of home improvement project. Here are some fast fixes you can tackle to improve your home’s curb appeal.
Dress up the Gardens
Start with the vegetation in your yard. Does your garden need to be weeded? Could you plant a few flowers quickly to add a splash of color? Do you need to remove debris and faded mulch from the planted areas of your home? What about adding some rubber mulch that won’t fade over time? These types of changes can make your garden an asset to your yard.
If you don't have a green thumb, consider using durable mulch, like rubber mulch, for the flower beds. Then plant colorful flowers in flower pots and containers around the yard. This prevents much of the problem with weeds, ensures better growth from plants, and less work for you. Above all, it will add the splash of color that you need in your home to draw attention.
Update the Hardware
Doorknobs, house numbers and porch lighting are elements in your home's exterior that can get dated with time. These don't take long to upgrade, and they don't cost much either. Choose assets that work as a cohesive unit to give the front of your home a streamlined look.
Paint the Front Door
Most of the time, the front door on a home is going to need a fresh coat of paint. This takes minimal time, can dress up your home's exterior significantly, and is quite effective at boosting your curb appeal. The front door is the entrance to the home and the first thing people notice when they drive by. If it's run down, it's going to detract from the home. You can also add visual interest by using a brighter color, like red, but make sure that the front door coordinates with the colors of the home as a whole. Once it's painted, add potted plants or seasonal decor by the front door to draw the eye to the home's entrance.
Give the Lawn TLC
When you put your home on the market, your lawn needs to look the best it's ever looked. Take the time to really beautify it, and keep it well manicured at all times. Attack weeds and falling leaves with a vengeance. You never know when someone is going to drive by who is interested in your home, so make sure the lawn is "showing ready" at all times.
Invest in Some Lighting
Outdoor lighting does not have to be complicated to install. Landscape lighting may not even need to be connected to a power source, as many models are solar powered. Use accent lighting to shine on trees or your garden, and add pathway lights to line the trail to your front door. Lighting makes the home appealing when someone drives by after the sun has set, and you never know when your potential buyer will be scouting the area.
Clean It Up
Finally, make sure everything outside is clean. Wash the windows, power wash the siding, hose the driveway and sidewalks. Clean up everything to ensure the home really sparkles.
Curb appeal is vital for the home seller and real estate agent, and it is easier than you might think. It doesn't take much time to give your curb appeal a big boost. Consider these tactics as you work to give your home the best chance of a fast sale.
Author bio: Penny Klein, owner of Perfect Rubber Mulch, has extensive experience in the industry and understands the best product fit for her clients’ needs. She works with customers to guarantee the right amount of product is purchased, and makes certain the delivery process is best in class.
