Updating Homes’ Exterior for Greater Buyer Curb Appeal

A home with curb appeal makes a great first impression on potential homebuyers. It makes them want to step inside and have a look. Sellers looking to make a quick sale should therefore put themselves in the buyers’ shoes when upgrading their homes’ exteriors. This is because it is hard to find fault with something they are accustomed to. Those who look at their homes from the buyers’ perspective and make the necessary changes will be able to sell them for the highest amount possible. Areas to focus on include:

Front Door Appeal:

A front door is a focal point. It is the first thing buyers see when they drive by. Advise your clients to make a statement by painting their front doors bright colors or installing new doors. A new door enhances a home’s appeal and can significantly increase its resale value. Custom-made doors can be costly but they have a very high return on investment (as much as 150%). If the sellers are on a budget, they can paint their front doors, clean off dirty spots around the knobs, and apply metal polish on the doors’ fixtures.

Deck Details:

Decks are costly, but their ROI is generally more than 80%. Sellers can transform their decks into outdoor living spaces by framing them with plants, vines, and bushes. If their budget allows, they can add water features to create peaceful atmospheres. Those on a tight budget can clean their decks using power washers. Power washers make it easy to remove flaking paint.

Landscaping Tips:

Landscaping not only enhances curb appeal, but it also makes a home energy efficient when done correctly. It can modify the climate around a home and minimize heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. Additionally, it doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. It just needs to be carefully planned, interesting, and cohesive. Homeowners should:

• Touch up the mulch
• Spruce up outdoor containers
• Plant colorful flowers
• Shape overgrown or unsightly trees and shrubs
• Look after perennial beds

Helpful Ideas for Siding

New vinyl siding has an 80% ROI. Sellers who can afford new siding should consider adding a few architectural features to enhance curb appeal. Those on a limited budget can repaint their siding or clean it with a mild detergent and water. They should wear protective clothing when cleaning the siding and work from the bottom up.

Lighting Ideas

Well-lit homes are clearly visible and make buyers feel safe. Since buyers have been known to drive by homes at night, exterior lighting is something sellers cannot afford to ignore. They should make sure that their driveways and walkways are illuminated and their paths are well-lit. They can also add accent lighting to the property itself and to surrounding trees.

Roof

A roof makes up approximately 40% of a home’s curb appeal. Sellers should choose roofing materials that complement their homes and attract potential buyers. They should avoid installing new roofs over old roofs and tear off the old ones first. Removing old roofs reveals defects that must be fixed before new ones are installed.

Window Tips

Inefficient windows can make rooms drafty. They should be replaced with energy-efficient ones that are easy to clean and maintain. Windows with the Energy Star Label can help homeowners to reduce their fuel bills drastically.

Quality home upgrades add value more than any other thing. The National Association of Realtors states that while home prices may have gone down; the ROI on remodeling investments still remains strong. Advise sellers to focus on their homes’ exteriors if they want to make a great first impression on buyers.

For more ideas on home maintenance visit our iHOUSE blog.