A house with curb appeal looks elegant and nurtured, designed with integrity and accented with meticulous details. It elicits a feeling of calmness and satisfaction when you get home and gives passers-by the thought of "wow! I wish I could live there."
Most importantly, curb appeal can impact how much a buyer is willing to pay for a house. According to a study conducted by Michigan State University, curb appeal can increase a home's perceived value by 5 to 11%.
Whether you want to punch up your home for a quick sale or to inspire family pride and wow your guests, here are six ways to enhance the exterior of your home.
Updating your outdoor lighting is an inexpensive way to brighten the entryway and accentuate your home's architecture.
Add some solar lights along the front walkway or get more creative with landscape RGB LED strip lighting. Incorporating lighting on the porch is also a great idea. Anything from hanging lamps to attached wall sconces can add a warm glow and make your home look lively and welcoming.
As the entrance to your home, the front door sets the tone for your own entire house. Let your front door speak to your home's style with a new coat of paint.
Painting your front door will cost about $75, and it's a pretty easy DIY job. Start by washing it. Then pick a bold color that stands out but make sure it matches the rest of the colors in your house. If painting doesn’t do the trick, consider replacing it with a new one.
You'll also want to attend to your door's hardware, including knobs, hinges, handles, and knockers. Remove tarnished hardware and polish it with metal polish. But if the hardware looks old and shabby, consider replacing it.
One of the most impactful ways to boost curb appeal is to add some greenery, particularly seasonal flowers and shrubs.
Your house's foundation is the least attractive element, and the last thing guests want to see. If the foundation is visible, camouflage it with flowering plants with a wide, leafy spread. A splash of flowers among shrubbery can give your home a new look while hiding the less attractive details.
Planting trees in your home can be beneficial in many ways. These beautiful additions not only improve air quality by filtering dust and pollutants but also cool your home in summer.
However, trees, bushes, and shrubs need to be pruned regularly to prevent them from obstructing a property's beauty. If not pruned, they can overgrow, making your home look like an abandoned property.
Outdoor furniture adds extra curb appeal to your home's exterior. If you have a front patio or deck, don't leave it empty. Instead, spruce it up with budget-friendly furniture.
The best outdoor furniture can turn your backyard into an outdoor living room, dining area, kitchen, bar—or a combination of all of them.
Depending on the size of your outdoor space, you can place a sectional sofa and a table to create a contemporary living room. Or a bench and a couple of chairs to create a perfect place for people to hang out and chat.
If you have a dated mailbox, consider replacing it. Swapping it with something more stylish can bring a noticeable difference to your home's curb appeal. Depending on the type of mailbox you need, expect to pay roughly $50 - $200 to replace it.
Having good curb appeal can increase your home's value and make it more attractive to potential buyers. It can also give you a feeling of satisfaction every time you come home.
Giving your home a curb appeal boost doesn't need to be expensive. With little to no cost and a bit of effort, you can upgrade the look of your home, increasing its value and making it more attractive to guests and potential buyers.
