Your home is the greatest investment you have. When the time comes to sell it, consider investing in your home’s curb appeal to get the best possible return.
What is curb appeal, and why is it important?
Curb appeal is a form of marketing. Real estate experts advise clients to fix up and decorate property in an enticing way so that prospective buyers will be attracted by their first impression and come and check out the inside of the house. Improving curb appeal is a way to sell homes faster and for more money.
Increase your home’s curb appeal with these three simple exterior upgrade ideas:
Windows
Replacement windows reflect your home’s style and personality. You can have windows that are to your personal taste and yet complement your neighbourhood.
While you can choose any pattern, generally modern or contemporary homes go well with a glass panel or casement windows, with their clean look. Colonial style houses suit double-hung windows where both sashes in the window frame move up or down, with six individual panes of glass separated by muntins, which are strips of wood or metal that separate and hold panes of glass in a window.
Energy-efficient windows are in demand. Many people are interested in environmental concerns in housing and want to reduce their carbon footprint. Saving energy means saving money!
Landscaping
Landscaping need not be difficult. The trend is for low maintenance and sustainable landscapes. Landscapes now include native plants that don’t need as much water and are already acclimatized.
A lawn that is neglected or dried up can ruin the first impression, so lawn work is worth the time and effort.
A coat of paint on the doors and window shutters if you have them can freshen up the whole house.
Patio or Deck
Your patio or deck should reflect your love of relaxing outside, and any buyers should be able to easily visualize themselves using the space for relaxing and entertaining too.
The patio or deck should look inviting and safe, and feature a grill and gathering spaces.
Make sure your deck is kept clean and swept. Apply water sealants to the wood to protect it from sunlight, humidity and rain. Buyers will notice that you have taken care of the deck and that you have made an investment in it.
The climate and seasons have a large influence on the kind of decorating you can do on your deck and what kind of patio furniture you might use. Wicker, resin or wrought iron furniture are better for the colder climates because they will look inviting even if their cushions have been put away for the season.
An outdoor area rug will bring colour and texture to the area. Hang artwork on the exterior home walls, employ throw pillows and hide unsightly walls with outdoor curtains, or use curtains to block out neighbours and busy streets.
These ideas can help sell your home faster, or just make your house go up in value.
