If you’re preparing to sell your home, giving a little attention to how it looks from the street can inspire love at first sight – leading to a faster sale at a better price. Contrary to what you might see on HGTV, sprucing up your home’s curb appeal doesn’t have to be expensive. Planning a few easy projects and hiring a handy man for a day will ensure that your listing is a must-see, instead of a drive-by.
1. Paint
A fresh coat of paint is the most effective way to make your house feel new. If you have it in your budget, consider painting your exterior with a modern, neutral pallet. Grays, blues, and blacks are very popular right now and can create a fantastic impact.
If a complete paint job is outside your budget, you should at least pressure-wash the house to remove cobwebs, dust, and other loose debris. Then paint the front door, porch, and shutters. A gray front porch with a black front door looks great on almost any house, and those freshly painted accents immediately create the feeling that your home is well-maintained.
While you’re at it, wash the windows inside and out. You might be surprised what a difference that can make: creating a subtle impression of cleanliness while allowing more light into your home.
2. Replace Hardware
Replacing the mailbox, house numbers, entry lights, doorbell, door knocker, hinges, and door handle will make that new paint job really pop. Make sure all the hardware finishes match.
If you have a dark door, consider hardware with a chrome finish. If you have a light door, consider a flat black. Even if your house is classic or historical, modern hardware will make it standout. This will also give buyers the immediate impression that your house is updated and ready for move-in.
Whatever you choose to do, keep the style consistent. If you aren’t a designer at heart, look to lifestyle magazines or catalogs for inspiration. There’s nothing wrong with copying the pros!
3. Stage the Outside
Make sure the landscaping is detailed and free of weeds, and bring in new mulch to finish things off. Today, black mulch is a popular choice, which looks great with light green foliage and really draws attention to floral colors.
Put a brand new doormat at the entry, and use potted plants to give depth and luxury to the front porch. Consider the watering needs of the staging plants, and don’t use plants that lose their bloom quickly. Tulips, for example, are terribly short-lived, whereas aster and echinacea will bloom throughout the year. If the weather is warm enough, succulents and small citrus trees are very eye-catching and require little maintenance. If you’re looking for some inspiration, the “thriller, filler, spiller” method is a simple and proven way to compose eye-catching container arrangements.
When it comes to staging, don’t be afraid to break the mold! Place an Adirondack chair with a fluffy pillow on the porch or even on the lawn. Use lanterns to line the walkway or highlight front steps. A seasonal wreath on the front door also adds a friendly touch.
If you want to sell quickly at top dollar, go that extra mile to create an inspired, welcoming exterior. For more ideas about how to best stage your home without breaking the bank, get in touch with us!
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