5 ideas for enhanced curb appeal that will sell

Are you prepping your home for the market? Summer is hot; not only do the temps keep rising, but it is prime real estate selling season!

Use the extended daylight hours this summer to spruce up your curb appeal. Your landscaping, design, and maintenance are the first things that potential homebuyers notice when they drive by or walk up to your home. Don’t let them walk in the door with a list of to-dos already on their mind; give them a first impression that shows how much you love your home.

Here are 5 ideas for enhanced curb appeal that will sell your home this summer.

Break out the paint

If you’ve been waiting for the weather to warm up (or for it to stop raining) to think about painting the exterior of your home, now is the perfect time! Consider switching up the color palette of your home to change its appearance or just give it a refresh by putting on a new coat of the same hue. The exterior of your home goes through a lot of wear and tear during the harsh winter months and the spring storms, and depending on how long it has been since you’ve painted last, it’s probably time to get out that roller! Does a big project like this not fit into your schedule or budget? Only paint the trim or add a splash of color to your door for an improvement!

Take care of the lawn

An overgrown lawn full of weeds is not only an immediate eyesore, but it also might worry the prospective home buyer about the condition of your home. Show your open house visitors how well you’ve maintained your home by making sure that the grass is manicured and the weeds are pulled! Add beautiful florals that will not only make your yard look beautiful, but will greet your guests with a fragrant aroma as they walk up to your front door. Not sure where to begin? Head to your local nursery to find out what plants will work best for your lifestyle and space, and what you need to begin your weekend project!

Clean it up

There’s nothing that a little power washing can’t help tackle! Due to the unpredictable Midwest weather, our homes can become quite “weathered” during the winter and spring seasons. Sometimes all your home needs is a little cleaning to make it look refreshed! Wash away the dirt and grime from your driveway, sidewalks, home exterior, and windows! It will give your house a clean look that will attract potential home buyers.

Accessorize

Sometimes the littlest changes can make the biggest impact! Change your house numbers, door hardware, lighting, or even get a new mailbox! Bring out the best in your house by ensuring that all of your exterior accessories are up-to-date and a perfect fit for your home. Make sure that everything matches and complements the natural style of your house and the feel of the neighborhood. If you’ve started updating some things, but haven’t gotten around to everything, it’s time to finish the to-do list so that your home looks put together when it’s time for an open house.

Decorate your porch

Don’t let your porch go bare! Even if you thought you would use your porch more than you actually do, prospective home buyers don’t need to know that! Whether you are out there every day or only to gather up your Amazon packages, take the time to clean it up and make it cozy. Just as you would stage the inside of your home, you can apply the same approach to the outside. Letting potential buyers visualize how the porch can be utilized can be a major selling point! Add two chairs, a plant or two, and a rug to make it feel like home! Is your porch already decorated? Less is more; try decluttering to give it a clean and roomy feel.

Look at your home from a buyer’s point of view. What would you be looking for when you walked up to an open house? What would turn you away? Find projects that will not only impress prospective home buyers, but also add value to your home! Get the family involved and make a weekend out of it!

Looking to buy or sell a home? Connect with Jana Larsen on LinkedIn to start the process!