Curb value plays a large part in the overall assessment of your home’s value. You might want to focus on the interior because you see it much more, but the initial impression you give to prospective buyers shouldn’t be overlooked. You can only make a first impression once, and the first thing that people see is your home’s exterior.
Improving the outside of your home doesn’t have to be extremely expensive or time-consuming. Many projects can be done on your own as long as you have the right materials and information. The time you spend on exterior projects will be well worth it when the time comes to sell your home. Consider the following outside renovations to boost your home’s value and make it more aesthetically appealing.
Painting or Siding
Increase the curb appeal of your home by applying a coat of paint to remedy any cracked, chipped, or faded areas. Buyers often look for homes that they can move into immediately without having to make aesthetic repairs or modifications. Select the color of paint carefully and avoid anything too extreme or bold. A neutral color that blends in is likely to appeal to a wide range of people, while going overboard with a bold or bright color might deter potential buyers. You might have everything a buyer wants inside, but if the color is too eccentric, they may not get that far.
Vinyl siding is something else to consider. It is costlier than paint, but it lasts longer and has insulating properties that reduce energy consumption. Siding also doesn’t fade over time and with exposure to the elements the same way that paint does. And along with these benefits, siding has a high rate of return. Depending on your home, a paint or siding project can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $8,000.
Lawn Maintenance
Don’t overlook the importance of the simpler tasks to maintain your lawn’s appeal. The first step to keep your grass looking healthy is by employing lawn aeration services. Aeration puts small holes in your lawn to allow nutrients, water, and air to pass freely to the roots. It eliminates compacted soil and helps with allowing water to penetrate dried out lawns. Hiring a professional will typically cost a little bit more than $100, though that amount could vary based on the size of your lawn.
Other ways to keep your lawn looking good is to rake and bag leaves. Pull up weeds and plant a few flowers to bring some color to your yard. Don’t leave excess clutter lying around such as leftover building materials or toys that aren’t being used. Clean any dirt or mildew off your patio furniture. Buying new cushions is cost-effective and transforms the entire outdoor look. Get rid of old tools, lawn mowers, and anything else that is an eyesore. Keep these things in a storage shed or in the garage so they aren’t the first thing prospective buyers see when they walk up to your home. Most of these tasks only require a bit of time and energy.
Maintain and Upgrade Roofing
The roof is something buyers look at almost immediately because it can be a costly expense. You don’t have to get an entirely new roof, but get any leaks fixed immediately and consider replacing any cracked or missing shingles. This simple maintenance keeps the roof looking nice without spending thousands to completely replace it. While you’re attending to the roof, be sure to clean any debris from the gutters. The buildup of dirt and leaves doesn’t allow the gutters to do their job.
Keep in mind that your home is an investment and that you will get what you put into it. Don’t go overboard on renovations to improve the resale value of your home if you don’t feel that you can live with it. Instead, focus on renovations that are appealing to you as the owner and have the potential to appeal to prospective buyers.
