Hoping to make a quick and profitable home sale this spring? Try these simple, budget-friendly tips to boost your curb appeal and attract more buyers…
It happens every year. The weather warms up, and buyers start flooding the market in search of their dream homes. With so many house hunters out searching, spring is a great time to sell your property. Of course, you won’t be the only seller vying for the attention of buyers. If your home is going to stand up to the competition this season, it needs to make a fantastic first impression. That’s where curb appeal comes in.
By creating an inviting home exterior, you can generate greater interest from buyers—which can lead to more showings and (ultimately) better offers. Many sellers believe that exterior improvements cost a fortune, but they don’t have to. If you’re hoping to make your home stand out this spring, try these five cost-effective tips for increasing its curb appeal.
1) Perform a pressure wash treatment
Stubborn dirt and mildew can make the exterior of your home look dingy. We’re not just talking about your siding. From your front steps to your porch to the walkway leading up to your house, keeping outdoor surfaces as clean as possible is worth the effort. Pressure washers can lift layers of old grime from brick and concrete, and it can also work well on vinyl and some types of wood. Fortunately for those on a budget, many home-improvement stores rent these machines out at very reasonable rates. Just be aware that pressure washing isn’t safe for all surfaces (don’t even consider performing it on your roof).
2) Tap into the power of mulch
In our experience, few things draw home buyers in like a beautifully-landscaped lawn. While keeping your grass healthy is crucial, you may find that there are some bare patches in your front yard. Luckily, there’s an attractive, cost-effective solution: mulch. Whether you choose wood chips, cedar bark, gravel, or another option, filling in sparse areas can help you create a more attractive landscape. As a rule of thumb, use carefully-placed shrubs and other decorative plants to provide coverage where necessary—and add mulch underneath them to cover exposed soil.
3) Add decorative planters
Nothing says “spring” like flowers. Placing some seasonal blooms close to your entranceway can add an appealing pop of colour to your home. One of the easiest ways to do this is with decorative planters. Your tulips or daffodils will look gorgeous in the right pots, window boxes, or hanging baskets. To add even more visual interest to your front door, try using several planters of various sizes. You’ll find plenty of stylish options in many department stores—and most of them won’t break the bank.
4) Paint your front door
When it comes to capturing the interest of home buyers, a fresh coat of paint can go a long way. Of course, it’s important to refresh your siding and trim. But have you ever thought about applying a bold new hue to your front door? Rich colours—like burnt orange and eggplant purple—can have an attention-grabbing effect, especially when they highlight your entrance. The best part? If you’re trying to keep your costs down, a can of paint won’t set you back by much!
5) Use sleek address numbers
When you’re in the process of setting up home showings, it’s important to have your address prominently displayed. If buyers have trouble finding your house, it could put them in the wrong frame of mind before they even set foot inside. We’ve seen it happen. In addition to serving a practical function, using sleek address numbers can add a bit of extra polish to your home’s exterior—which can provide a boost to your curb appeal. We’re especially fond of large numbers in stainless steel, brushed metal, or classic black finishes.
Ready to sell your home this spring? If you live in Hamilton, Burlington, or the surrounding area, we’d love to help. Get in touch to start a discussion about your selling needs!
