When you’re walking through a neighborhood and a house catches your eye because the lawn is well-manicured, the front porch is inviting, the house is painted the perfect color, the landscaping is fresh, and the flowers are vibrant - that’s curb appeal! It’s what makes you go “wow” and wonder how amazing the inside must be as well. Curb appeal is all about first impressions ,which is critical to selling your house.
With spring just around the corner in Indiana, you want your home to stand out from the others and you want buyers to fall in love with your home from the curb. If your exterior is not in top shape, there’s a good chance buyers will offer you less or move on to the next home. Here are my best tips for improving your curb appeal.
1. Be meticulous about your lawn and landscaping
Trim and prune trees and bushes to get rid of anything dead or overgrown. Add a fresh layer of mulch to your flower beds and around trees to give them a professional, well-kept look. If you have any bare spots in your lawn from snow and ice, add seeds or sod to help renew and cover those areas. Fertilize your lawn to make it green up and get out your edger to clean up the edges along your sidewalks and driveway.
2. Wash Your House
Use a power washer on your siding, garage door, and front porch. (or ask me for a good contractor to help). Cleaning windows and screens go a long way to refresh the exterior and you’ll be amazed at how it brightens up the interior of your home as well.
3. Decorate your front porch
Make sure your porch is clean! Knock down all cobwebs, nests, and debris. If you have any peeling paint or rotten wood on the porch, repair and paint. If you have enough space, add a cute bench or chair and a small table. Outdoor rugs and door mats are a great way to show some style and create a space to linger. Outdoor pillows add color and plants are a must.
4. Seasonal flowers
Large pots at your front door with bright flowers add a ton of curb appeal and cannot be overlooked. You don’t have to be a florist to make these look good – go large with your pots and use one color of flowers to make the biggest impact. Ferns on a shady front porch always make a statement. Make sure your flowers look fresh for the season and your overall porch decorating theme reflects spring, summer or fall.
5. Make your front door POP!
If your door is dirty, faded or peeling, or in disrepair, it must be addressed (and after a long winter, it will definitely be dirty). Start by washing it down and then assess the paint, color and condition of the door itself. If your door doesn’t need to be replaced, a fresh coat of paint in a bright trendy color is one of the best things you can do to enhance your curb appeal.
As your local real estate resource, I am always available to provide guidance to clients and friends on how to improve your curb appeal. If you need contractors to help you with landscaping, painting, window washing, etc, don’t hesitate to contact me for access to my list of preferred partners. Contact me anytime you need assistance with your home!
