6 Affordable Ways To Improve Curb Appeal Of Your Home

curb appeal

Curb appeal is defined as the attractiveness of a home’s exterior when viewed from the street. It is a large factor for attracting prospective buyers and getting them to take the next step and view the interior of a home.

According to a study conducted in The Journal of Real Estate Finances and Economics, homes that have good curb appeal tend to sell for an average of 7-14% higher than comparable homes with less attractive exteriors.

Many homeowners are looking for budget-friendly, easy to perform jobs that provide a good return on their investment and ultimately increase the value of their home. To boost your curb appeal, attract potential buyers and get more money for your home, check out the affordable and impactful outdoor renovations that are listed below.

1. Fresh Paint

There is no better way to breathe life back into your home than to give it a fresh coat of exterior paint. It is important to pick a paint colour that compliments the style of your home but also one that is attractive to the mass pool of potential buyers. There are many different areas on the exterior of your home that can benefit from new paint and depending on the current condition of your home and your budget, you can tackle any or all of the listed areas below:

  • The Exterior – The sun and other Canadian elements can quickly wear out the outside of your home, by repainting the siding and other exterior surfaces you can make it look brand new and add instant value to your home.
  • The Front Door – Your front door is the gateway to your home, it should be welcoming and memorable. There are many different ways to choose a colour, some help your door blend in while some help it to stand out. Regardless, a fresh coat of paint can go a long way.
  • Shutters & Trim – Although shutters and trim may only be a small portion of your home’s exterior, they can have a big impact on your overall curb appeal. Make sure to match the overall style of your home and pick colours that compliment your exterior.
  • The Porch – By painting or re-staining your front porch, you can breathe new life into the entryway of your home. It will not only instantly boost your curb appeal but also help hide imperfections that may be present in the wood. Try to stick to neutral hues on your porch that will compliment your home’s existing or new exterior colours.

2. New Hardware

Small details make a big difference when it comes to a buyer’s first perception of your home. By upgrading your hardware on the exterior of your home you can accentuate focal points and help your home stand out against the competition. Consider replacing or refinishing the following hardware to boost the appearance and value of your home.

  • Door Knob – A doorknob not only adds curb appeal to your home but also helps keep your house secure. It is helpful to pick a finish that matches the other exterior features of your home such as your outdoor lighting. You can choose from finishes such as black, bronze, copper, brass, pewter, chrome and more.
  • House Numbers – Everyone who comes to view your home will be looking for these. Adding house numbers that stand out against the exterior of your home and/or are easy to locate is important. Try to pick a number style that coincides with the style of your home.
  • Mailbox – No one wants to see a tattered and broken mailbox at the end of the driveway. An upgraded mailbox that compliments the style of your home can go a long way in increasing your curb appeal. Consider adding other features such as a surrounding garden.

3. Revitalize Your Landscaping

Landscaping plays a large role in the first impression of your home. A lush, green and well-maintained yard alongside strategically placed and manicured garden beds can have a significant impact that never goes unnoticed. While potential buyers are willing to pay more for mature trees and established garden beds, they are also often mindful of the maintenance and water requirements that come along with them. If you have garden beds here is a list of tasks that you should stay on top of during the home selling process:

  • Pruning Plants
  • Pulling Weeds
  • Defining Garden Borders
  • Fresh Mulch

4. Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lighting can have a huge impact on the way your house looks as the sun sets. It is beneficial to highlight notable features of your yard such as garden beds, walkways and seating areas with landscape lighting. This is not only a great way to add curb appeal and help your house stand out during the darker hours, but it is also a great safety feature that many families value when looking for a home. Try to match your outdoor lighting to other finishes on your home and keep your lighting choices warm and as energy efficient as possible (low wattage, solar powered, etc.).

5. Driveway & Walkway

The driveway and walkways that lead to your home are crucial aspects of boosting your curb appeal. While replacing or installing an entirely new driveway can be an expensive job to accomplish, there are other options for increasing its value such as repairs or enhancements. Some of the most common driveway and walkway materials include concrete, asphalt, gravel, cobblestone, pavers. Pick a budget for these areas and renovate accordingly, consider speaking to an experienced real estate agent who can give you guidance and the best advice for your home. Some simple and great ways to repair or enhance your driveway and walkway include:

  • Pressure Washing – Giving your driveway and walkways a deep cleaning can often change the entire aesthetics and breathe new life into your existing setup.
  • Kill Weeds – Making sure there are no weeds growing in the middle of your driveway or walkway will help clean up the area and improve the overall appearance of these areas.
  • Fill Cracks – If you have a concrete or asphalt driveway that is cracked or dull, consider filling in these areas and re-sealing your driveway for maximum impact and return.
  • Decorative Borders – Enhance these areas by lining them with a decorative border. This can include a different material that complements your existing setup or well placed, easy-to-maintain shrubs, flowers and other landscaping.

6. Finish Off With Accessories

The addition of small details can have a big impact on the first impression of potential buyers. These small details can make your house feel more welcoming and help potential buyers visualize themselves in the space. Some beneficial add-ons that can increase your curb appeal include:

  • Welcome Mat – A nice outdoor welcome mat that complements the aesthetics of your home can be an inviting addition to your front porch.
  • Potted Plants – A few strategically placed potted or hanging plants can greatly enhance the look and feel of the front of your home. Make sure to add a pop of colour with some fresh flowers and other greenery.
  • Door Wreath – A simple and inviting wreath for your door can help make your front door pop and can complement the style and overall appearance of your home.
  • Porch Seating – If you have the space for seating on your front porch this can be a great way to help potential buyers visualize themselves in your space. A porch swing or simple table and chairs is a welcome addition to help boost curb appeal.

Looking To Sell A House In The Niagara Region? Contact Davids & DeLaat!

If you are thinking about selling a home in The Niagara Region, our team of real estate agents at Davids & DeLaat want to help. We are experts in the local market and can provide relevant, unique advice that will add value to your home and get you the best return on your investment. To learn more about how we can help you increase the value of your home for a sale, contact Davids & DeLaat today!

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