Your home’s curb appeal can affect the number of showings you have. That first look at the front of your property could either put them off viewing or attract speculative requests from new potential buyers. From upgrading landscaping to refreshing paint, consider these eight affordable ways to boost your home’s curb appeal and entice buyers to add your home to their “must see” list:
1. UPDATE OUTDOOR LIGHTING
An easy way to instantly add interest and depth to an outdoor space is to replace dated lighting fixtures with new ones. There are many lighting options on the market in a wide range of colours and styles. Most choices are quite affordable and you will be amazed at what a few dollars can do in upgrading the overall look of your outdoor space.
2. KEEP IT MOWED
A freshly mowed lawn is essential to boosting your curb appeal when trying to sell your home. Mowing your lawn on a weekly or 10-day basis will allow it to grow enough between mows so that you don’t damage the grass. Make sure to also allow time for edging and clear away any clippings before your house is shown to potential buyers.
3. FIX THE SMALL THINGS
Do a thorough look around your front porch to find any small issues that have gone unnoticed for years. Fix small things like a slit in the window screen, tightening the mailbox, or replacing a burned-out light bulb. Is the number or name on your property clear, to help viewers locate you?
4. ADD SOME COLOUR
Pick up a few beautiful sets of flowers from the garden centre and plant them in pots, window boxes and hanging baskets at the front of your property. Colourful flowers will add instant beauty to the space and welcome guests into your home. Consider adding a few different colours to help create an interesting and vibrant display.
5. TRIM UP SHRUBS
Get out your shears and trim up bushes and plants that have overgrown their spaces. All you need is a little bit of elbow grease to freshen up your landscaping. Trim bushes into eye pleasing shapes with rounded edges and give every plant in your garden enough room to shine, while still being a part of the overall landscaping picture.
6. TOUCH UP PAINT
You most likely have a can of leftover paint in the garage or basement. Use this to touch up areas of your property, out-houses and fences that could use a fresh coat of paint. Consider items like the mailbox, house numbers, or plant pots that have seen a few years since their last painting. If your front door needs some help, consider painting it to add a fresh look to your home.
7. POWER WASH IT
You will be amazed by the amount of dirt a good power washing can lift from your home. Renting a power washer for a day is also a good and affordable way to add curb appeal to your home. Another affordable option is to consider borrowing one from a friend to save on expenses. Pay close attention to the outside of your home as well as gutters, patios, walkways, and patio furniture.
8. ADD SOME MULCH
Picking up a few bags of mulch at a garden centre is a great way to add instant curb appeal to your landscaping. Mulch not only looks great, but it also helps plants retain water to look healthier, as well as keeping weeds at bay. Simply add a few inches of mulch around trees and garden beds to instantly raise the overall look of your home.