A home that has curb appeal is visually pleasing. Real estate agents emphasize the importance of curb appeal when selling properties because the exterior of the home shapes people’s impressions of the house. Whether you’re planning to sell your home or just want to have the nicest property on the block, there are some key things you can focus on to increase your home’s curb appeal.
1. Landscaping
The front yard is one of the first things that people see when approaching a property. When a yard is neat and tidy, it shows the owners care for their property. This is also a critical factor when selling a home. Prospective buyers who see an overgrown yard may be deterred by the work required to improve the home’s landscaping.
You can make simple, affordable improvements by eliminating weeds, trimming hedges and mowing the lawn. Rake up leaves and remove them from your yard to improve its visual appeal. You should also ensure that the edges near sidewalks, decks, and fences are trimmed. If you have trees you need to ensure that no branches are near your home’s roof.
Have any limbs that are close to the roof trimmed. Any dead trees or limbs should be removed.
2. Exterior Upgrades
Your home’s exterior is a key consideration when determining the home’s curb appeal. Replace outdated or damaged siding. If your siding is in good shape you may be able to spruce it up with a fresh coat of paint. You should also consider replacing the windows. Energy-efficient windows will increase your home’s property value and reduce your energy bill.
Another key feature for any home is the front door. You may be able to update an existing door by repainting it. Older doors can develop cracks. These cracks can reduce your home’s energy efficiency by letting in drafts. They can also weaken the integrity of the door and make it easier for someone to break into your home.
3. Safety Features
Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental deaths in the United States. An average of 10 people drown every day. 20% of drowning deaths involve children under the age of 14. Nonfatal drownings can cause serious injuries, such as brain damage. Many municipalities have laws that require fencing around pools to prevent injuries and accidental deaths.
Installing a baby pool fence will protect children and animals from falling into your pool. You will also benefit from lower insurance costs by adding this safety feature. These fences are also visually pleasing, so you do not have to sacrifice style for safety. Child guard pool fences come with a lifetime warranty and feature self-closing gates for extra security. Investing in pool safety will give you peace of mind while protecting your family and boosting your home’s curb appeal.
4. Energy Efficiency
Homes that are energy efficient will appeal to home buyers and impress environmentalists. You can reduce the cost of your electric bills and bolster your home’s curb appeal with this upgrade. Adding solar panels is also more affordable than most people realize. Many states have tax credits available. There is also a federal tax credit that helps reduce the cost of installing solar panels in Arizona and other states.
You may also be eligible for local incentives for installing solar panels. Homeowners also benefit when they decide to sell, because solar panels increase property values substantially. Solar panels offer several environmental benefits. They eliminate millions of metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually. Solar energy also reduces water pollution.
5. Tidy Trimmings
A mailbox can make a significant impression because it’s often one of the first things people looking for your address will see. Ensure that it is clean. Remove rust or replace rusted boxes or mailbox poles. You should also take time to remove leaves and debris from your gutters. Make sure they are securely attached to your home and take down Christmas lights and any other outdated seasonal decorations.
A clean home is always more visually appealing. Rent a pressure washer and wash the exterior of your home. You should also pressure wash any decks, porches or garages on your property. Mold and mildew can grow outside your home. Remove these safety hazards and eyesores from the exterior of your property to prevent them from spreading.
