You never get a second chance to make a first impression. For home sellers, your home’s first impression starts at the curb. A little time spent on your home’s curb appeal has the potential to pay off in big ways.
A study done by Michigan State University found a home with landscaping and some effort put toward curb appeal can increase perceived home value by 5 to 11%.
“It’s hard to quantify how curb appeal affects home sales directly,” said Kelly Boenzi of the Zimmerman Group. “What I do know from showing hundreds of homes over years is that homes with neglected exteriors get fewer showings overall.”
Your home’s interior may be exquisite, but if the outside doesn’t stand out buyers may never make it inside.
Step up your home’s curb appeal to help your home sell faster. Here’s how.
1. Trim trees and bushes.
Trimmed and tidy landscaping is key to highlighting your home’s well-kept condition. Low hanging tree limbs or intrusive bushes can lead to higher insurance premiums. So, not only can well-pruned greenery boost your home’s attractiveness, it can alleviate concerns about costly damage.
Pro tip: Make sure your home’s windows and entryways are not obstructed by scraggly bushes or overgrown trees.
2. Repair or update your front walkway and steps.
Crumbling concrete or rotten wood steps scream expensive repairs and may make potential buyers wary about what lies within. Create a welcoming vibe with a clean and clear entryway into your home.
“Concrete can be expensive, so many homeowners are hesitant to make the repairs before selling,” notes Megan Ryan of the Zimmerman Group. “However, I’ve seen potential buyers turn down showings at homes with porches in disrepair. Crumbling concrete makes homebuyers nervous, whether it’s the home’s foundation, the sidewalk, or the front porch. It puts people on alert.”
Pro tip: Spruce up a boring walkway by adding a stone border. This inexpensive update packs a punch.
3. Paint, power wash, or repair your home’s exterior.
Whatever your home’s exterior consists of...make it gleam. Got wood siding? Have it painted. Vinyl siding or stucco? Power wash it. This simple fix can breathe new life into your home.
Pro tip: Upgrade old aluminum siding to a fiber-cement product like HardiePlank for an on-trend modern look.
4. Add landscape lighting.
Lighting is a great way to draw attention to your home’s most valuable features. Porch lights and security lights help buyers feel a sense of safety. But well-placed accent lights along your home’s walkway or within its landscaping can elevate your home’s curb appeal to the next level.
Pro tip: Use easy to install LED solar-powered lights for a fuss-free setup.
5. Clean your gutters.
This improvement is about what you don’t see. Clean gutters alleviate unsightly debris on your roof. You also will avoid pooling water and wet facades that may have home buyers thinking “leak” instead of gutter back up.
If your gutters are dirty, power wash them. If they’re sagging, tighten them up. Clean, well-maintained gutters give your home’s exterior a sharp, crisp outline.
Pro-tip: Have your gutters cleaned at least twice a year.
“Every home tells a story,” said Joe Zimmerman of the Zimmerman Group. “And while you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, many buyers judge a home’s entire story by its exterior. That’s why - in my opinion - boosting your curb appeal is always money well spent.”
When you list your home with the Zimmerman Group we’ll help you prioritize which home improvements will give you the best return on your investment and help you get your home sold fast.
Contact us for a free listing consultation.
