First impressions matter. Enhance your front yard so people will stop and stare after the first glance. The good thing is, it doesn’t have to cost a fortune!
If you’re thinking of selling this year, I would be happy to help you decide which of these projects would net the best value based on my experience. Even if you’re not planning to sell any time soon, updating and maintaining your home regularly shows you take pride in owning it.
Clean the exterior.
Over time, dirt, grime and cobwebs can collect your home’s exterior. A thorough pressure washing can remove this buildup and restore its fresh look, potentially increasing your home’s value. Also, don’t forget to wash the windows (inside and out!) and clean the gutters, downspouts and all doors, including garage doors.
Freshen up with paint.
Paint is a sure-fine way to boost the curb appeal of your home and make it the envy of your neighborhood. Update your home with a coat or two of the same color or choose a new shade. Also paint the door, trim and shutters in a shade that complements the rest of your home. Remember to prep the surface area before you start painting to help the paint last longer!
If you’re planning to sell soon, avoid unusual colors. Homes painted unusual shades may be appraised lower if they don’t fit in with comparable homes on the market. If you’re not sure where to start, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are happy to share our palette of suggested paint colors and give you more perspective on what changes may need to be made to your home before selling it.
Consider vinyl siding.
Installing vinyl siding protects your home while providing a low-maintenance, durable exterior. Available in various colors, premium vinyl options often include insulation, enhancing energy efficiency. Regular cleaning with a power washer will keep it looking new. However, monitor for signs of moisture or damage that may require repairs or replacement.
Repair or replace the roof.
If your roof is in good shape, hire a professional to clean and remove moss and dirt that have built up. If your roof is due for a replacement, it may be best to do so before you list it. Although the cost of a new asphalt shingle roof can be pricey, you may have a return on investment if done before listing. If you aren’t planning to sell your home soon, maintaining it may help you avoid expensive repairs in the future.
Pay attention to the details.
These details include door hardware and handles, light fixtures and house numbers.
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Polish the hardware or replace it with a style that complements the home, such as oiled bronze for traditional styles and brushed nickel for contemporary styles.
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Purchase new numbers with the same finish as your hardware or purchase an address plaque to affix to your home or place in your yard.
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Update the style of your exterior lighting. If you’re replacing lights, look for ones that have the same mounting system as your current ones.
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Add more lighting to increase the safety of your entryway by adding an overhead fixture or wall sconces.
Enhance your landscape.
A well-maintained landscape and lawn add to the home’s appeal, creating colorful dimensions and attractive lines. Mow the lawn regularly, mulch and weed the garden beds and prune any overgrown shrubs. Also, clear away any overgrown vines or invasive weeds that have crept into your landscape.
In addition to mowing the lawn, add seed or sod to any bare spots you see. Add color to your landscape with a few potted plants and flowers. If you have window boxes, be sure to maintain them throughout the growing season.
Build a fence.
A fence not only increases privacy for homeowners, it may add value to your property as long as it fits with the style of the home and neighborhood. If you already have a fence, keep it well maintained, and replace any broken gates, latches or planks.
Stay on top of maintenance.
Performing regular maintenance not only helps prevent costly damage, it can also augment the value of your home. Studies show deferred maintenance may decrease your home’s value by as much as 10 percent.* Tasks such replacing missing mortar between bricks, resealing cracked asphalt and touching up faded or cracked paint may seem insignificant; however, these small imperfections may stand out to potential buyers and leave a negative impression, especially in competitive markets.
Taking these steps will not only elevate your home’s curb appeal but also enhance its overall value. If you have questions or need guidance on where to start, don’t hesitate to reach out!
Elisabeth Yeager Homes and Farms Group of VYBE Realty
C: 443-508-3280 | O: 410-220-4648
* Source: HouseLogic.com