Spring is quickly approaching, and so is the best time to sell a home, according to a new report by Realtor.com® economists.
If you’re looking to sell your home soon, experts agree that curb appeal is crucial to attracting motivated buyers.
“Curb appeal absolutely affects the value of the home because if it is not enticing on the outside, you won’t get people willing to look on the inside,” says Cara Ameer, real estate broker at Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty in Florida. “You want a buyer to be excited by what they see. It needs to look polished, warm, and inviting.”
Here’s all you need to know about boosting your home’s curb appeal, both online and in real life.
What is curb appeal?
Curb appeal “refers to how attractive and welcoming the exterior of a home looks from the street, including landscaping, exterior maintenance, and design,” says Alexandra Gupta, a real estate broker in New York City.
Curb appeal is particularly important in the spring, the busiest selling period for real estate.
“Spring tends to be when people start to look at homes, so it is extremely important,” says Ameer. “The weather warms up, flowers bloom, and the grass turns green, so it is important to capitalize on those elements to make your home shine.”
It is also important for sellers to keep in mind that the curb appeal, or lack thereof, can raise fears of a house being poorly maintained.
“A potential buyer could begin to question if the home needs hefty repairs on the inside, from the outside,” says Denise Supplee, a real estate agent and co-founder of SparkRental in Doylestown, PA.
These days, the first impression people get of a home is typically online.
“If your home does not have online curb appeal, potential buyers certainly won’t be driving up to the house to see it in person,” says real estate professional and attorney Bruce Ailion, of Re/Max Town & Country in Atlanta. “The home must pop in those first three seconds, or they’ll just swipe to the next.”
Spring projects to increase curb appeal
According to the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors®, spring home improvement projects such as the ones below can significantly impact the perceived value of a home and expedite the selling process.
Landscaping
Make sure your landscaping is on point. “First, get rid of anything that’s dead,” says real estate agent Victor Currie, at Douglas Elliman of California in Beverly Hills. “Nothing screams ‘deferred maintenance’ like a dead or dying brush outside the home.”
Next, mow the lawn and pull out weeds. “Basic lawn maintenance is a must,” says Jennie Berger, design consultant and owner at Property People, who recommends planting colorful flowers in unexpected places like around the mailbox or in vertical gardens. “Focus on native plants that tell a story of local ecology.”
And don’t forget the mulch. “Adding a fresh layer of mulch around plants enhances the overall aesthetic, creating a polished and well-maintained appearance,” says real estate broker Taylor Lucyk of Paramus, NJ.
Large trees and shrubs in front of your home should also be substantially trimmed back, especially if they overshadow your home home.
“Those bushes that were there when you moved in 20 years ago that are hiding half the house? Lose them,” says Ameer. “It’s time to think about a refresh with new, low plantings that show off the home versus hiding it.”
Exterior cleaning
After your landscaping is up to par, it’s time to clean the exterior of your house.
“Some of the best ways to spruce up the outside of the home inexpensively and quickly are easy tasks such as cleaning up debris and removing any trash, toys, and extra furniture,” says Supplee.
It’s also a good idea to power-wash the outside of the house. “Dirt, grime, and mildew can build up over time, making a home look dull and outdated,” says Lucyk. “Power-washing is an effective way to refresh the siding, driveway, walkways, and even the roof, instantly improving the home’s appearance without the need for costly renovations.”
Entryway enhancements
Make sure your entryway is inviting. “Get brand-new doormats and put fresh flowers in pots on the doorstep” suggests Rebecca Hidalgo Rains, CEO of Integrity All Stars Realty in Chandler, AZ. “Most buyers decide if they want to buy a house at the front door—so if you don’t get past the front door, you don’t sell the home.”
And speaking of front doors, Berger also suggests painting the front door a bold, unexpected color for an added wow factor.
Outdoor entertaining extras
Buyers are drawn to spaces they can relax and entertain outdoors. “Outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and seating areas with string lights are always a good addition, provided they are done well and don’t look too DIY,” says Rains.
Window washing
Make sure your windows are sparkling—because no one wants to see dirty windows covered in fingerprints. “When it comes to window-washing, do it yourself for ground-level windows, but hire a pro for anything higher,” says Berger. “Consider using a squeegee with a dash of vinegar for a streak-free shine.”
Garage
When it comes to the garage, it’s crucial to clear the clutter. People want to see if their car can fit in the garage, which can be impossible to determine if the garage is filled to the brim with stuff and boxes, according to Rains.
“A clean and organized garage is essential, because people want to see how they can use the space,” she says.
Mailbox
Don’t forget the mailbox. “If it is old, rusted, or leaning, you should replace it,” says Ameer. “And if your address numbers on the mailbox are faded, consider updating those as well. You want people to be able to easily find your home when they’re driving by or coming to see it.”
Spring cleaning checklist
Below is a spring-cleaning checklist provided by Berger to help keep your property looking fresh and updated.
- Clean the gutters
- Check for any damage to the roof
- Clean the dryer vents
- Pressure wash any concrete sidewalks or patios
- Check all outdoor light fixtures, and replace any burned-out bulbs
- Check any outdoor faucets for leaks
For more spring-cleaning tasks to tackle, click here and here.
Photo finish
Once your curb appeal is on the money, make sure your home’s exterior photos are spruced up, too.
“The sky needs to be great, shadows must be removed, the perspective must be correct, and cars and garbage cans must be out of view,” says Ailion. “Remember: You don’t get a second chance to make a great first impression.”
Article originally appeared on Realtor.com.
