Curb Appeal…First Impressions Matter

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I am a perpetual mover, never satisfied, and always seeing potential in the next house. Boxes aren’t even unpacked and I’m Zillowing, planning our next upgrade or downsize. Countless weekends filled with open houses and drive-bys finding the gem that needs a little TLC.  Simple changes and curb appeal make me happy.  First impressions matter!

My husband, on the other hand, is a “set down your roots” kinda guy; therefore, thoughts of moving again are horrifying! Waiting in the car at open houses to check football scores and hanging family photos right away keep him busy.  Inviting the neighbors over is another trick to keep me grounded. Find our niche, participate in the Halloween parade or the progressive dinner, and even, God forbid, join the neighborhood board!

So, whether you’re a perpetual mover or a set down your roots kind of person, we all have one thing in common… we strive to make the best first impression! Character and curb appeal are a reflection of you.

Overall, simple and quick changes make a big impact on curb appeal and your home’s first impression!

1. FRONT DOOR:

First, your entryway is the focal point of your house.  Doors should be welcoming, say something about you, and stay true to the architecture of your home. Whether you choose to paint your exterior door or buy new, this is an inexpensive way to add curb appeal. Fortune Builders say, “Entry doors have been known to return almost 104% of their initial investment.”  People are actually getting back more than they spent on the price of the door.

2.  Exterior LIGHTING:

Next, nobody likes to be welcomed by a light filled with bugs and cobwebs… or worse, no light at all. Every entryway needs a beautiful light for safety and curb appeal. Drive by your house at night… look critically at the entryway. Tiny little sconces plugged on either side of your door hardly give out any light.  That’s a definite curb appeal disaster…not to mention an accident waiting to happen! Your lights should be between ⅓ to ¼ the size of your door.

3.  SIMPLE:

Finally, remember, craft fair butterfly flags and Disney characters that somehow sneak out of Orlando and onto your home (gasp) are trouble. Funny welcome signs hanging on your door that say, “Dogs Welcome Anytime” aren’t a great first impression; with that being said, finding home in a basement… maybe, but on your front door or in your yard, not so much. Live plants in sturdy planters should be what’s on your front step. Beautiful greenery and simple wreaths may hang on your door. When in doubt, less is more, hence, keep it simple!

In conclusion, whether you’re looking to make top dollar on the sale of your house or looking for inexpensive ways to keep your house looking fresh, curb appeal matters. You never have a second chance to make a first impression…

Peace out.
Cassie

Author

Cassie co-founded brick&batten in 2017 with her sister, Alli, but her love of home design was born years earlier. Cassie’s passion for design can be traced back to her childhood, when she’d accompany her parents on road trips through small towns in search of inspiration for properties they would buy, fix up, and sell. Prior to launching brick&batten, Cassie worked as a fourth grade teacher, but her love of design, architecture, home renovation, and open houses inspired her to pursue a new career. When writing for brick&batten, Cassie aims to empower homeowners to make the best informed decisions for their property. She knows from experience how challenging home renovation can be, and when she writes, she puts herself in the shoes of every homeowner with similar frustrations. Cassie currently lives in Florida with her four children, an old dog, and her loving husband. When she’s not working, Cassie is most likely checking out a nearby open house or traveling to learn about the latest house trends.