How to Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal
House hunting is something millions of Americans do every year. The first sight prospective buyers have of your property has a powerful impact on their overall impression of your home. Consider some simple landscaping and home improvement projects. These low-cost exterior improvements can boost your house's curb appeal, presented below by Gustave White Sotheby’s International Realty.
Refresh Your Rhode Island Home's Landscaping
If you've ever driven by a house that looks like it belongs on the cover of a home decorating magazine, there's a good chance the landscaping contributed to your first impression. Consider placing floral beds and planting trees next to pathways to create an inviting entrance. Continue this theme along your entire property line with a flower bed every few feet—it'll add color to the street view.
Install New Fencing
One of the best ways to improve your home's curb appeal is by adding new fencing. Not only will it draw more attention to your yard, but it can also increase privacy and security. These are two significant factors when you're trying to sell a house. If you don't want to install new fencing, consider repainting or refinishing your current fence. Most importantly, make sure it's clean and all the screws are tightened. It can make a huge difference.
Pressure Wash Dirty Siding
If the siding on your current home is dirty and weathered, consider pressure washing it before placing your house on the market. Homes in Newport County take a beating from the salty seaside air. Spend a day power washing the siding, decking, and other exterior features to restore its pristine appearance.
This is a surprisingly easy and cost-effective way to make an immediate improvement to your home's curb appeal, and it'll show potential buyers that you care enough about the property to take those extra steps.
Repaint Window and Door Trim
While painting the front door is often overlooked, it can help make your home stand out to potential buyers. If the window seals are dirty, now's the time to replace them as well. Not only will this improve the look, but it also increases your windows' energy efficiency.
Consider replacing windows and doors that are no longer energy efficient. This home improvement requires a professional and typically costs about $290 per window. Meet with a few local companies after reading online reviews. Before signing a contract, verify the business is insured and licensed.
Replace Door Hardware
One of the easiest ways to improve your home's exterior appearance is by changing the door hardware. While you're doing this, make sure all hinges and locks are in perfect condition. Combine this with a fresh coat of paint and you have a great update that'll boost your house's charm.
Cleaning the Gutters
Making sure your gutters are clean and free of debris is very important not only for the integrity of your house (clogged gutters can lead to roof damage and structural issues with the foundation if left unchecked) but also for its curb appeal. Instead of doing this task yourself, research “gutter cleaners near me” and read up on those in your area. Sites like Angi.com provides customer reviews and ratings, which can help you avoid someone who will end up doing more harm than good.
Simple Steps to Increase Your House's Value
Curb appeal is a catch-all term for the aspect of your home's exterior that's most noticeable from the street. By sprucing up your landscaping, installing new fencing, and cleaning up your exterior doors and windows, you'll improve your home's outside appearance.
Gustave White Sotheby’s International Realty can help you find the perfect property in the Newport area. Call us today at 401-849-3000
Written By: Michael Longsdon, The founder of ElderFreedom, which advocates for the rights and support of seniors. Through his site (http://elderfreedom.net/), he provides tips to seniors on how to downsize and age in place.