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Real Estate Tips: Increase Curb Appeal in 20 Ways

With any prospective buyer it is ever so important to create a wow factor, a lasting impression. With that said, the moment one passes a house can make all of the difference, thus why improving the curb appeal of a home is critical. It is never too late to make a first impression, and thus why we find it necessary to share twenty ways that anyone can easily and affordably improve their property.

  1. Create Perfect Symmetry – Light fixtures, plants, flowers and the like should be symmetrical in the front entrance. This creates a welcomed path to the home that is pleasing to the eye and needs no apparent change; it is perfect.
     
  2. Replace Old Hardware – This is self explanatory. Old door handles, light fixtures and even something like the mailbox should be in top condition. The curb appeal means a great deal to most buyers and these changes or updates are extremely affordable to do.
     
  3. Dress up the Front Door – Perhaps give the front door some color, polish all of the metal fixtures, have clean glass panes, perhaps add a wreath or lights in appropriate times of the year.
     
  4. Do a Mailbox Makeover – Make your mailbox look like an extension to the home. Choose one that has a similar design as the house; maybe even have a fixture or outdoor feature custom built around it or an eye-pleasing path leading to it.
     
  5. Install Outdoor Lighting – Driveway lights, lights at the entrance of the home, lights directed up trees and bushes are all gorgeous. Remember that when a person views a home with an agent, they will often visit again in their own time for a drive around the neighborhood before they make any immediate decision, and yes this could very well be at night!
     
  6. Create an Instant Garden – If time to build and let a proper garden mature are not realistic, look into container gardens to give the home some much needed landscaping and natural, mature feel.
     
  7. Renew Planter Beds – Take out old flowers, weeds and mulch. Totally replant and re-soil, add new flowers and even some stonework to add a tasteful border that draws the eye to yet another noticeable feature of the home.
     
  8. Install Window Boxes – A quick and affordable way to show some color over a window for viewing both inside and outside of the home. This is a great option for cottages especially.
     
  9. Make a Grand Entry – Apart from the aforementioned options for the entryway, adding molding or other borders around the front door is a lovely point of interest for a buyer. Flooring, lighting and even the quality of the doorbell or doorknocker can be a plus for some!
     
  10. Add Outdoor Art – Birdbaths, water features, benches, sculptures and other forms of art are encouraged.
     
  11. Add Shutters or Accent Trim – Both of these complete the home's exterior look. Shutters as well can be used for additional security, storm protection, privacy and to keep out light.
     
  12. Add Arbors or Fence Panels – Having these in a garden is very peaceful and romantic. Garden gates, new fences and other amenities for the outdoors add value to any home and set boundaries.
     
  13. Create a New Planting Bed – Planters in the front entrance, along the driveway or in the backyard add color and grace.
     
  14. Replace Gutters and Downsprouts – Copper gutter systems or just a new gutter in general ensure a buyer that there is less likely to be rust, peeling paint and other problems that give them any notion of doubt about the property.
     
  15. Tile your Doorstep – As mentioned above, replacing the flooring leading up to a house is important. Tile is a great solution in that it will be more durable through the years no matter the weather and it can be a very attractive beginning to the home where most outdoor steps are clearly often ignored.
     
  16. Dress up the Driveway – Adding a new driveway is very expensive, however bringing the current one up to a better level with a stone or grass border, lighting, or planters can change everything for a buyer especially if necessary cracks or holes have been repaired.
     
  17. Built a Walkway – A path going from anywhere at the house to a desired location such as a sitting area, pool, parking bay, are a dramatic touch.
     
  18. Upgrade Railings – Treated and updated railings outside of a house, such as on a front porch or lining the steps leading to a doorway or around a deck are vital. Even their architectural design, color and size can make them a positive reference point in their own right for the buyer.
     
  19. Renew Paint, Siding and Trim – Perhaps there is nothing more unattractive than chipped or cracking paint, siding and house trimmings. Make sure this elementary issue is taken care of before any home is put on the market.
     
  20. Apply Stone Veneer – Stonework looks strong and creates a sense of wealth, protection and permanence. Stone walls, pillars, pathways and more can be utilized to separate a home from the rest in its neighborhood.