If you’re planning to put your house on the market this spring, you’ll want to know how to get an advantage over the competition. Every spring, the real estate market is flooded with new properties for sale. So, it’s important to make sure that your house stands out.
The outside of the house is the first thing that prospective buyers will look at in a picture, online, and at the open house. That’s why curb appeal is so crucial to making a great first impression. Welcome visitors to see the interior by making them fall in love with the exterior.
Here are some quick, and relatively inexpensive, ways to make the exterior of your residential property more attractive to buyers.
Wash the Home’s Exterior
Owner’s don’t see the buildup of dirt and grime over time the same way a pair of fresh eyes will. Give your property a refresh by having it power washed. Cleaning the siding and exterior is an efficient way to eliminate the layer that makes the house look dull and aged. Pressure washing can quickly make the windows shiny, and spruce up the deck, patio, driveway, front steps and walkway as well.
Give Siding a Fresh Coat of Paint
Nothing makes a property look dilapidated quite like peeling paint. If your home hasn’t been repainted in the last 5 – 10 years, it’s time to put that in the budget. For the average-sized house, exterior painting services generally cost about $2,500. Painting the siding, eaves, window frames and shutters can instantly brighten a house and make it look newer.
Improve the Lawn & Garden
Before putting your house on the market, think green! Buyers are looking for lush, weeded lawns, curated landscaping, and budding gardens in the spring. You can quickly brush up your property by trimming the bushes, edging the lawn, and adding a fresh layer of mulch around the plants. A pop of color in front of the home is also a nice way to attract buyers; so, consider putting some potted flowers near the walkway or front porch.
Untrimmed greenery block views and sunlight in the house. They also promote mold growth and mildew on the exterior of the home. That’s why large trees and shrubs should look like well-maintained assets for the property and not another cost for new homeowners.
Add a Patio or Deck
If your home doesn’t already have a nice outdoor space, adding a patio or deck is a great way to increase the value of the property. Outdoor living spaces can be added on for a minimal investment, which requires no plumbing or electrical work. Families appreciate these exterior spaces when looking for the right house to buy. For sellers, it’s easy to recuperate the cost because a well-situated deck or patio will immediately get buyers to imagine grilling, relaxing, and entertaining in the backyard.
If you already have a deck or patio, make sure they are in tip-top shape. Power washing is the easiest way to make them look like new again. Then, with a fresh coat of stain, your deck will be ready for showing. Pavers don’t need to be sealed, but refilling the joint sand is an easy way to freshen up the area.
Seal the Driveway and Walkway
A lot of advice for boosting curb appeal includes repaving your concrete driveway and walking path. But this can be a huge investment with little chance for return. A better, more cost-effective way to make your driveway and walkway look nice is to seal the concrete. This process can be done years after the concrete is actually poured and refreshed about every three years following. Sealing makes the concrete more durable, easier to clean and maintain, as well as better looking.
Update the Fencing
Adding, replacing, or simply repainting the fence around the property is another simple way to boost the value of a house on the market. Some homebuyers really value having a fence on the property and don’t want to think about the hassle of having one installed. Yet, it’s important that the fence, no matter what material it’s made of, look well-kept.
Pay Special Attention to the Front Door
There is some psychology to successfully selling a home. In fact, real estate experts recommend putting a fresh coat on the front door to make potential buyers feel welcomed. You should consider using a bright color on the door or entryway to make entering the home a positive experience.
In general, you want to make sure that the threshold of the house invites interested buyers inside. This means polishing or replacing the hardware on the front door and updating the lighting on the exterior and in the entryway.
Call Trotta’s for Help Prepping Your House
Our team can help get your house ready to sell this spring. With a full range of residential services, Trotta’s can make the process less stressful. Call us for more information about our painting, deck restoration, concrete sealing, window cleaning, and exterior pressure washing services at (330) 940-3705 or request a free quote online.