5 Curb Appeal Ideas for Increasing Your Property Value

By:

Curb appeal and real estate go hand in hand, especially when it comes to selling your home at top dollar. First impressions matter to prospective buyers, and selling quickly (and for a good price) will matter to you. So, before you list your home on the market, take the time to make some improvements to its exterior. Don’t worry, they don’t all have to be major undertakings or cost you a fortune. Any value you can add to your home will be well worth it. Check out these curb appeal ideas we’ve compiled to help make your home “stop and stare” worthy, increasing your property value in turn.

At brick&batten, curb appeal is what we do. Send us a photo (or blueprint) of your property, and we’ll give you a virtual rendering full of curb appeal ideas for you to implement. Learn more about our services.

Before and after of a modern rustic home with a design featuring great curb appeal ideas

The Benefits of Curb Appeal

Curb appeal is an important factor in selling your home. But why?

  • It’s the first thing buyers see. Whether it’s online or at an open house, the exterior of your home is the first thing a potential buyer assesses. The impression it gives will affect how they view the rest of the property. If it’s negative, the remainder of the home will likely suffer from it as well.
  • It reflects the maintenance of the home. The state of your home’s exterior is often a reflection of the interior. Things like overgrown grass, faded paint, and cracks in the driveway can give buyers the false impression that the inside of the home hasn’t been maintained. This can translate to dollar signs and stress for home buyers, causing them to move on to the competition to avoid both.
  • It can be a deal-breaker if it’s not taken care of. Some buyers won’t even bother to tour your home if they are unimpressed with the curb appeal. Keep in mind that they will be comparing your home to neighboring properties. If your property appears to be the least cared for, buyers might hesitate to truly consider it. Bad curb appeal makes a home forgettable. And in a market as competitive as this, that’s a big mistake to make.

So how can you start to improve your home’s curb appeal? Keep reading for five simple ways to make yours the best looking home on the block.

power washing a deck

#1 // Spruce Things Up

There are plenty of quick, easy ways to spruce up your home’s appearance. And nothing adds a little charm like a clean space and some fresh paint. Start by giving your home’s exterior a good shine and polish. Grab a pressure washer and clean the driveway, walkways, fences, gutters, siding, deck, and anywhere else that looks grungy. You’ll be surprised how revived your home will look and feel. The best part is, it doesn’t take long to see results.

Before and after of a white ranch home with the front door painted in a teal color

Next, to help your home stand out in the neighborhood and draw attention to the entry, consider painting your door. Because most exterior paint isn’t expensive, not only is this budget-friendly, but it can be fun, too. Pick a color that coordinates well with the rest of your home. If you want a more permanent fix and are willing to spend, consider replacing your front door entirely. A new door enhances your curb appeal, gives a warm welcome to your guests or potential buyers, and, if you decide to optimize energy efficiency, will save you some money in the long run.

Before and after of a stucco home with updated exterior lighting

#2 // Add or Update Exterior Lighting

Sometimes all a space needs is an ambiance refresh, and well-planned outdoor lighting is the perfect way to do that. The right combination of outdoor fixtures will highlight your home’s assets, showcase the landscaping, and create an appealing and welcoming sight for potential buyers. When buying new exterior fixtures, consider both the style of your home and the function of the lights. For safety, it’s important they adequately illuminate your entryway.

To add further value to your home (and save you some money on your utility bills), consider investing in home solar panels to power your electricity. Beyond the economic and altruistic benefits of going green, experts say that home buyers today are prioritizing properties with renewable energy sources. This could differentiate your home from the competition.

A charming home featuring one of our top curb appeal ideas: adding a portico awning

#3 // Revamp the Porch

Your front porch plays a strong role in increasing your home’s curb appeal, so don’t overlook it. You want buyers to be impressed by your staging before they even walk in the front door. Spruce things up with seasonal decor, updated house numbers, and a new door handle. You could also create a small seating area, frame the entrance with potted greenery, and switch up light fixtures. Adding an awning or enlarging your porch are also excellent ideas that have strong ROI. Just remember not to overcrowd your porch. After all, space sells.

Rear exterior of a brick home painted white and rendered with a whole new backyard outdoor living area, complete with pool

#4 // Create an Outdoor Living Space

Buyers look for homes with space to entertain, so if you’re considering a large-scale update to your current landscape design, you might add outdoor living space. Outdoor kitchens, patios, decks, swimming pools, and even fire pits can all increase your home’s value as well as create a functional and fun space to hang out during the summer.

before and after of a home with a reimagined front yard landscape

#5 // Improve the Landscape

Impressive curb appeal starts with the condition of the grass and/or landscaping near the front of the property. While the word “landscaping” is often associated with work and money, sparking panic in your brain, it truly can be as simple as you want it to be. The important thing is that it’s maintained. Start small with a few fast-growing trees. Not only will they help your curb appeal, but they’ll also increase the property value, shrink your utility bill, improve air quality, and reduce stress. A fresh layer of mulch can also do wonders for your property’s exterior. Plus, it’s relatively inexpensive to purchase in bulk and easy to put down yourself. To brighten things up, consider planting some small and repetitive flowers.

Before and after of a home with a new paint color and updated curb appeal

Custom curb appeal ideas for your property

Curb appeal can make or break the sale of your home, and the cost of revamping the exterior is well worth the investment. At brick&batten, we can help you with custom curb appeal ideas specific to your property that will make for a happy and successful selling journey.

Our co-founders started brick&batten because of the many years they’ve spent revamping investment properties and getting homes ready for sale. Partner with us for access to our deep well of experience, and we’ll help you get an amazing ROI. Get started today!

Author