If you’re like most people selling a home in Ellicott City, Catonsville, Owings Mills or another community in the area, your REALTOR® has already talked to you about curb appeal and why it’s so important – but where do you even begin? Check out these ten summer curb appeal tips to make your house more appealing to prospective buyers.
10 Summer Curb Appeal Tips to Make Your House More Appealing to Prospective Buyers
Prospective buyers start forming an impression of your home long before they set foot inside your front door. They’re taking in the neighborhood, your yard, your driveway and your porch, and all those things work together to create a first impression that sticks with them as they tour your house. That’s why curb appeal is so important – and why implementing these ten summer curb appeal tips can make a huge difference in how long it takes to sell your home. Here’s what the experts say you should do:
- Replace your house numbers
- Repaint your front door
- Get new door hardware
- Repaint shutters and trim
- Make cosmetic repairs
- Add porch seating
- Clean up the yard
- Edge around sidewalks
- Plant something colorful
- Add container plants
Here’s a closer look at each.
Summer Curb Appeal Tip #1: Replace your house numbers
Even if your house numbers look “pretty good,” it might be a good idea to replace them with something modern and new. Just make sure you’re in accordance with what your HOA requires – you don’t want to deal with them when you move out (or force your buyer to deal with them when they move in).
Summer Curb Appeal Tip #2: Repaint your front door
If your front door is like most people’s – a bit tired, that is – put on a fresh coat of paint. You don’t have to get crazy with the color, though. You probably want to stick with something neutral, because bright and bold colors have the potential to send buyers running.
Summer Curb Appeal Tip #3: Get new door hardware
Update your door hardware so it matches your light fixtures (and if they’re outdated, it might be a good idea to replace them, too). Think about going ultra-modern with a keyless lock that works with Bluetooth – modern conveniences can go a long way with buyers.
Summer Curb Appeal Tip #4: Repaint shutters and trim
If your shutters and trim have seen better days, repaint them. You might even be able to hire a local company that can do a “home-selling special” that includes your front door, shutters, trim and small cosmetic repairs. (You can also ask if they have a similar deal for the interior of your home.)
Summer Curb Appeal Tip #5: Make cosmetic repairs
Little things, like ripped window screens and dents in siding, are important to address before you list your house for sale. Talk to your REALTOR about minor cosmetic fixes you should make.
Summer Curb Appeal Tip #6: Add porch seating
Buyers love outdoor living space, and having seating on the front porch (and a table, if there’s room) can go a long way toward boosting your curb appeal. You’ll take it with you when you move, of course, but it helps buyers use their imaginations and envision themselves living in your space.
Summer Curb Appeal Tip #7: Clean up the yard
Put away all kids’ toys, lawn care equipment and anything else that’s in your yard. Cut the grass and pull weeds out of flower beds. Make sure all dog waste is picked up, too – you don’t want buyers to step in anything and track it into your house or their own car when they leave.
Summer Curb Appeal Tip #8: Edge around sidewalks
While you’re cleaning up the yard, make sure you do the edging around the sidewalks. A weed-whacker can easily do the trick.
Summer Curb Appeal Tip #9: Plant something colorful
If you don’t already have colorful plants in your yard, now’s a good time to add them near fences or other low-traffic areas. Some popular native plants that thrive here include Golden Groundsel, Butterfly Weed, Bergamot and Rose Mallow.
Summer Curb Appeal Tip #10: Add container plants
Container plants are a wonderful addition to landscaping, and they allow you to plant non-native species that you can bring into the garage or the house at night. Add a few to your porch or yard to create instant appeal for buyers coming to see your home.
Are You Selling a Home in Ellicott City, Catonsville, Owings Mills or Another Nearby Community?
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