Spring is coming and it’s generally a time when the market ramps up with people thinking about buying and selling.  If you’re considering selling your home, you’ll want to make sure buyers have a great first impression, from the moment they drive up to the front of your house.  There are simple ways to increase curb appeal without a lot of expense or work and they’ll have a big impact on the ability to sell your home quickly and for the best price.

Quick and Easy Ways to Increase Curb Appeal

Freshen up the front door.

Whether you give your front door a new coat of paint or stain, add a pop of color, or just clean off the dust and dirt, a clean and welcoming front door is key.

If the paint color on your front door is dull and boring, consider adding a little color for instant impact on the front of your house.

Or stick with the basics.  According to Zillow, on average, houses with black or charcoal gray doors sold for more than expected!

Consider replacing door hardware.

Replacing door hardware isn’t a necessity unless it’s really outdated, broken, or looks terrible.  Since you’re aiming for impact, upgrading the door handle can make a great first impression.  Whether you choose to update or not, be sure the door knob and lock are functioning properly so agents can easily enter your home with their clients.

Consider upgrading outdoor light fixtures.

If your front light fixture or fixtures are outdated and ugly, consider changing them out for something fresh.  New outdoor fixtures aren’t overly expensive and it’s a simple DIY job that most people can do themselves.

Clean the outside windows.

Sparkling windows instantly make a house look like it’s been well tended to.  And when buyers are inside, looking out, a clean window makes all the difference.  Along those same lines, make sure blinds and window coverings are in good shape.  Broken blinds are a surefire way to make a house look uncared for.

Mow and edge the lawn.

Be sure the lawn is mowed, any weed problems are taken care of, and the edges of the grass, bordering sidewalks, are crisp and clean.  Again, you want potential buyers to have the impression that this house has been well maintained and cared for.

Edge and weed the front gardens.

Crisp up the edges of garden beds and pull out any weeds.  If you’re selling during the spring or summer months, consider adding a few colorful flowers to the front gardens or even to pots or containers in the front yard.

Trim trees and shrubs.

Be sure to trim unruly shrubs and trees, especially if they block walkways or obscure the view of the front of the house.

Clean the gutters.

If you can visibly see branches and leaves in the gutters, clean them out before the house goes on the market.

Power wash the front walk and driveway.

If you have access to a power washer, it’s always a good idea to clean up the front walkway and driveway, getting rid of dirt and any staining.

Repair and stain the fence.

Secure any loose boards on the fence, repair any gate issues, and consider adding a new coat of stain, if needed.  Fences in a state of disrepair can really downgrade the appeal of a house.

Remove any clutter from the entrance.

You want to make sure buyers can easily enter your home without dodging bikes, pots, or even decorative items so clear the walkway and take a minimalist decorating stance with porch decor.

 

While those ideas may feel like a lot of work, many of them are really simple and inexpensive but can improve the way buyers view the home and help you sell quickly for the best price.