Three Curb Appeal Strategies You Should Try
If you've recently decided to put your current home on the market, you probably already know creating curb appeal increases interest from prospective buyers. Many people, however, seem to believe that curb appeal is simply planting a few flowers, adding a bit of paint, and keeping the lawn mowed and the steps swept clean. Although all of these tactics generally create more initial interest than neglected, shabby facades, today's savvy homebuyers are looking beyond cosmetic touches, and they're making purchasing decisions based on more permanent attributes.
Continue reading more for three curb appeal strategies you should consider before you put the For Sale sign in your front yard.
Add a Small Front Porch
Successful housing sales are dependent on buyers being able to imagine themselves living pleasantly in the home — and who doesn't enjoy sitting on a nice front porch? Front porches also provide an attractive visual break between a home's exterior and interior. It doesn't have to be large or elaborate, and it should blend well with the homes overall appearance. For instance, a porch with ornate railing wouldn't be the right choice for a home with sleek, modern architectural lines, and a porch with minimalist styling wouldn't blend well with a Victorian home with lots of curlicues and other fancy details.
Replace Your Garage Door
Most people don't think of replacing their garage door as a way to increase the curb appeal of their property, but it's actually one of the most effective ways to give your home exterior a facelift. Modern garage door materials include steel, wood, fiberglass components, and aluminum. If you like the look of wood but live in an area where climate conditions cause wood to warp, crack, and otherwise show signs of wear-and-tear, steel garage doors are available that look surprisingly similar to wood. If you live in a coastal region where salt-induced corrosion is a part of the picture, fiberglass may be your best choice or a garage door because it's less susceptible to salt erosion than other materials.
Install Hardscaping
Hardscaping provides a finished look to any home exterior. If the walkway to your home entrance has a worn and shabby appearance, consider having it redone. If your driveway is dingy, it may drive prospective buyers to look elsewhere. Other hardscaping options that can add to the overall curb appeal of your property include fountains, statuary, stone walls, and meandering garden paths.
