Preparing to list your home can be an intimidating prospect. After all, you want to recoup your investment in the property, plus entice buyers quickly. Fortunately, there are many home curb appeal projects you can DIY that will catch house hunters’ attention. In no time, you’ll boost your home’s appeal and net a profitable sale.
Add a Wood Fence to Appeal to Families
Fencing can add value to your property, especially when your prospective buyers have children or pets. It’s a practical measure, keeping loved ones close and boosting privacy, and at the same time, a well-crafted fence can add eye appeal. If you’re handy, you could DIY this upgrade. Otherwise, it’s wise to hire a professional for the building and installation.
On average, homeowners pay $2,751 to install a wood fence. However, the amount varies based on your property size and what type of materials you select. Lumber averages from $7 to $15 per foot, depending on the wood and style selected.
Add Eye-Catching Accents to the Exterior
While most prospective buyers start their home buying search online, that doesn’t mean you can discount the appeal of your home’s exterior. In fact, as The Residential Specialist explains, curb appeal is the key to getting buyers through the door.
When it comes to your property’s entryway and landscaping, a bit of effort goes a long way. Plus, the photos in your online listing will showcase the outside of your property, and buyers’ perceptions can make or break a sale before they even visit. The photography matters, sure, but the house and yard must be picture-perfect first.
For an inexpensive upgrade, choose accents like new garage door handles or hardware, faux shutters on the front windows, or a new—and stylish—door knob. Small accents can increase the overall appeal of your front porch, so potted plants and a welcoming doormat are worthwhile additions, too.
Brighten Up Your Home’s Paint Job
If you have the budget or the connections to complete a whole-house repainting job, it’s worth considering. Experts note that fresh paint—inside and out—can increase your home’s value. Painting is one of the improvements that nets the best return on investment, says The Spruce, along with updates to the doors and siding.
But if you’re short on time or spare funds, consider adding a splash of color another way. Painting your front door, mailbox, or even adding colorful rocking chairs or a dining set to the front porch can do wonders for curb appeal.
Keep Up with Yard Work
Depending on the season you’re listing your home in, landscaping concerns may have slipped your mind. But in all seasons, prospective buyers need inspiration as to what outdoor spaces can offer.
You can DIY this by mowing the lawn, sweeping the walkways, and blowing leaves off the driveway. Or, you can invest in landscaping professionals who will keep up on things for you—at least until your open house. If the yard is severely neglected, consider hiring an expert to make sure you’re keeping with the ambiance of the neighborhood. Wild Bloom notes California residents can expect to pay anywhere from $10,000 to $45,000 for a full yard makeover. While this might feel like a pretty penny, Bankrate notes landscaping can earn you up to a 215 percent return on investment.
With your lawn and plantings in good shape, staging your backyard—if you have one—is another good step toward encouraging a quick sale. By cleaning up your deck or patio, trimming brush and shrubs back, and placing a picturesque patio set, you can encourage buyers to picture themselves enjoying the space.
Cover Up Anything Ugly
If your home’s HVAC system is at ground-level and creates an eyesore, consider building a small fence, lattice panel, or even a mosaic screen around it to hide the eyesore. Or if the only place your trash and recycle bins can go is alongside the garage, install plants or a decorative panel to conceal them.
The idea isn’t to lie to potential buyers. But you do want to draw attention away from things that are mundane and present your home in the best possible light. Let buyers keep imagining their neat and tidy future in your home, and it might pay off in the form of a quick—and lucrative—sale.
Photo via Unsplash
By: Suzie Wilson ⎸info@happierhome.net ⎸Happier Home
