When driving through a neighborhood, how often do people want to stop by houses that look bland, average, or messy? Not many. Just as a well-maintained and clean front yard is welcoming and peaks interest, overgrown or poorly laid out landscaping can quickly dissuade people from wanting to view a home.
Best Steps for Creating Curb Appeal
In this blog, we are discussing how to create curb appeal and why it’s important… But what does “curb appeal” even mean? Curb appeal is a term typically used by landscapers and Realtors that refers to exterior characteristics that make someone attracted to your home, specifically prospective buyers. For example, people are more likely to be interested in a home with a welcoming entrance, clean landscaping, and beautiful greenery than they are in a home overgrown with weeds, covered with chipped paint, or just overall not eye-catching.
When it comes to curb appeal, even the smallest details can make a person interested in choosing your home over the competition. Below we list some of the key ways in which you can boost your home’s curb appeal.
1. Pressure Wash.
Pressure washing is a great first step to increasing your home’s curb appeal. Pressure washing can remove any dirt, cob webs, or stains on the house and revitalize the paint color. After pressure washing, it’s also easier to repaint if you see the need. Make sure to pressure wash the garage door too if you have one!
2. Repaint.
If your home’s exterior paint is starting to wear away, invest in getting it repainted. This can make a HUGE difference in how someone perceives your home. Paint usually lasts a few years, so this is only necessary if your paint shows wear or if you want a new color.
3. Clean Windows.
Keeping your windows clean is one of those little details that no one will notice if you do… but everyone will notice if you don’t. Outdoor windows don’t require much maintenance, but you should occasionally brush off dirt and remove cob webs to keep them fresh.
4. Maintain The Yard.
If you have a front yard, it is imperative that you maintain it. Keep the grass cut, weeds pulled, and plants watered.
5. Cover Surface Soil.
If you have a yard, laying down pine straw, stones, or mulch around the trees or bushes can add a nice, clean, and intentional look to areas that might otherwise look messy. If choosing to keep surface soil exposed – for example, in your flower bed – then make sure to keep the soil even and well-kept.
6. Add Greenery And Flowers.
People are typically attracted to homes with nice grass and flower beds, but this may not be an option for everyone. If you don’t have a yard where you can plant flowers, you can still get window boxes or hanging plants that will brighten up your entrance and make it more welcoming.
7. Consider Hardscaping.
If you are in a dryer climate or do not want to take the time to maintain your lawn or plants, you can also opt for hardscaping and/or drought-friendly plants. This means your exterior design is centered around paved pathways, nice stairs, or river stone accents. Hardscaping is a great option because it is typically lower maintenance and makes your home appear very neat and well-structured.
8. Statement Front Door.
Now this step isn’t necessary but can set your home apart from the competition. An entrance gives insight into what one can expect when walking into a home, so you want it to be welcoming. A statement door can be a bright color, have an exquisite glass design, or be simple and sturdy with elegant or unique hardware (e.g. door handle, door knocker). Your front door is a great way to showcase your home’s character.
9. Add Landscape Lighting.
Landscape lighting won’t be noticeable during the day, but it will make your home stand out at night. Putting warm lights underneath the windows or along a pathway will help grab the attention of passerby in the evening.
10. Update Your Mailbox.
If you have an outdated mailbox, update it or replace it with one that is sleek and unique. A mailbox is an accessory for your home, so pick a tasteful one that you think fits your home’s personality.
11. Maintain Your House Number.
If your house number is displayed on the mailbox or on your front door, make sure the number is both easily identifiable and in good condition. Falling house numbers are an indicator that a home has not been well kept.
12. Monitor General Upkeep Needs.
Make sure your rain gutters are cleaned out and secured to the house. Nobody wants to see a falling rain gutter! Also, if you have a curb in front of your house that collects a lot of leaves, dirt, or litter, occasionally clean out those crevices (blowing/sweeping) to maintain a neat exterior.
13. Add Tasteful Accents.
Gardens, nice pathways, and beautiful trees are wonderful accents for yards. If you do not have a yard but have a porch, your accent could be a nice railing or charming patio furniture. There are a lot of options, and having cohesive, welcoming, and sophisticated accent pieces can give your home the upper hand. However, make sure you don’t clutter your entrance with decorations. Instead, add a few simple touches that stand out (e.g. sconces, a bird feeder, hardware).
14. Create Symmetry.
If you add something to one side of the door (e.g. a potted plant), it always looks nice to do the same for the other side. You want the area around the door to remain symmetrical so that the decor stands out without seeming like clutter. Every placement should be intentional.
Creating curb appeal is great for home sellers wanting to increase interest in their property, but these tips are also great for anyone wanting to touch up their home for their personal benefit. Just remember, keep your property clean and your decor simple, and know that people want to see each home’s unique, yet tasteful, character.
