If you are a homeowner, then you have value in your property. Even if you’re still paying off that mortgage loan, your home can put money into your pocket in the form of an equity loan. Of course, if you are planning to sell your house, then you could land a decent profit. Both of those ideas work best when your home value is high. The best way to bolster your chances for an increased home value is to improve your curb appeal. This is the first impression your home would make on a potential buyer or appraiser. For a little investment, you can literally transform your home. Here are some tips for improving your curb appeal:
Tip #1: Clear The Clutter
The first thing you’ll want to do is go across the street and look at your home. That might seem odd. After all, you see your home every day. However, you might not see if through the eyes of that potential buyer or appraiser. What is the outside of your home telling that person about the inside of your home? If there is a lot of clutter in your yard, then you’re telling the world you’re either too busy to clean up or don’t care. In either scenario, that would reflect on the rest of your home maintenance. Clearing the clutter includes anything Mother Nature might have dropped in your yard (leaves, branches, weed overgrowth, etc.) or anything you brought in (auto parts, faded lawn statues, old porch furniture, etc.).
Tip #2: Wash The House
The best approach to improving curb appeal is to repaint your house. That can be a very expensive proposition. Instead, try a good power scrubbing. You can buy decent attachments for your garden hose that will let you power wash your home and windows. While you’re at it, make sure the rain gutters and roof are clean, too!
Tip #3: Paint Your Front Door
You might not be able to paint your entire home, but you can certainly paint your front door. You’ll be amazed at how a fresh coat of paint there can pull focus and make everything else seem brighter. Don’t be afraid of bold color choices, either!
Tip #4: Swap Out Light Fixtures
Curb appeal matters when the sun sets, too. That is why you might want to swap out old light fixtures for newer designs. There are also solar powered mini-light posts you can plant along walkways to provide a fresh look for your nighttime exterior.
Tip #5: Bring In The Flowers
Obviously, landscaping is a big consideration when evaluating a home’s curb appeal. Start with the lawn. If you have good grass growing, then leave it alone. Just keep it trimmed. However, if it costs a small fortune to keep your grass watered and mowed, then you might consider artificial lawn. Next, bring in the flowers. You’ll want to look for low maintenance plants that take little care. Ask your local garden nursery for the best recommendations for your area. If you don’t want to dig, then bring in some planters with flowers that are already in bloom. That just takes a little watering to keep them growing.
When the makeover is complete, head back across the street to see what a difference your efforts have made. Can you think of other ways to improve your home’s curb appeal?
