The expression, “You only get one chance to make a good first impression” couldn’t be more true, especially in real estate. In a recent study, the University of Texas at Arlington discovered that curb appeal can contribute up to 7% of a home’s value, which means investing in improvements that make your home’s exterior more attractive has a higher ROI than any other project. Here are 8 of the best ways to achieve a lasting first impression.
1. Paint your front door
Your front door should be freshly stained or painted. A bold, colorful front door can make a lasting first impression. Try a pop of red, green, yellow or blue for a fun way to inject personality and welcome buyers. If your front door has been repainted too many times to count, it might be time to consider investing in a new one. This minor investment that averages homeowners about $2,300 recoups a whopping 198% when you go to sell your home–an expenditure worth making!
2. Touch up the trim and fix any wood rot
Tired trim work and wood rot are an eyesore and often one of the first things a buyer might notice upon walking up to your home. Consider investing in this DIY project or hiring a professional to get your house in top-notch shape before listing day.
3. Pressure wash your home and driveway
Your home’s exterior should sparkle, not look like it’s in desperate need of a deep clean. A good power wash in the weeks before you list your home will go a long way toward solidifying that good first impression in buyers’ minds.
4. Trim back bushes
Often, overgrown trees, bushes and shrubs can block your home’s natural appeal. Take time to make sure your landscape compliments your house, rather than distracting from it.
5. Add an accent color
If your home’s exterior lacks personality, consider injecting color by adding shutters, repainting your front door, adding window boxes or even colorful planters. Think about repeating your accent color through furniture on the porch or even with your landscaping choices.
6. Show off your outdoor space
Homebuyers have spoken. Homes with outdoor living spaces rank high on buyers’ wishlists. Don’t miss the opportunity to show off your home’s outdoor living potential. Make sure to stage every single area to the fullest, allowing buyers to envision themselves relaxing on your front porch, having coffee on the screened-in porch and dining al fresco. If you have an outdoor space it should be staged appropriately–don’t leave these spaces vacant.
7. Consider investing in a new garage door
Just like replacing your front door is an easy win for potential buyers and your wallet when you sell, investing in a new garage door is equally as good of an idea. Trading an outdated garage door for a new, carriage-style door typically runs homeowners about $4,700 and you can expect a return on your investment of 189% when you sell.
8. Add uplighting
Many potential buyers will cruise by your home at night, observing how it looks at different times during the day. Put your best foot forward by adding inexpensive solar uplighting to cast a welcoming glow on your exterior.
As we’ve said before, if you’re in the market to sell your home, first impressions matter, and that starts with having good curb appeal.
