Most home sellers postpone outdoor renovations in winter as they wait for the warm season. Well, spring has arrived and it’s time to tackle all those projects. Those who had forgotten about curb appeal should get out and check their exteriors because buyers will soon come knocking. Here are 6 economic ways sellers can spruce up curb appeal.
A front door says a lot about a home. It is also a focal point of the curb appeal. Paint is inexpensive and can add color and vibrancy to a door. Homeowners should give life to their front doors by repainting them. They should clean dirty spots around doorknobs and use metal polish on door fixtures. They can also put wreaths on their doors to reflect the season.
A driveway with a border looks elegant. Home sellers can use edging materials like pavers, stones, and bricks. They can also combine these materials to liven up boring asphalt slabs. Some edging materials have unique colors, textures, and decorative designs. When installing edging, homeowners should ensure it’s on a higher level than the driveway to prevent people from driving onto their lawns. Installing edging is easy and most DIY enthusiasts can do it without help.
Flowers inside flower boxes, along the sidewalk, or in hanging baskets greatly enhance curb appeal. Planting flowers is easy and inexpensive but makes a big impact. Tell your sellers to get recommendations from their local nurseries on what flowers and plants flourish in the area. They shouldn’t plant flowers for the sake of it. Those who want to avoid a lot of work can plant perennials.
Most healthy trees have big roots which grab nutrients and water from the soil. As a result, the surrounding grass dies, leaving ugly dead spots in the lawn. When homeowners see dead spots in their lawns, they try to restore the grass. They don’t know that they fight an unending battle. A better solution is to plant flowers around the bases of the trees. Flowers thrive in shade.
Home sellers can also apply mulch around the tree bases. When dead spots are covered, a yard looks healthier. Mulch retains moisture for tree roots, but it should be applied with caution. Too much will suffocate roots and create a breeding ground for pests. 2 inches of mulch is enough to provide cover and prevent weeds.
No matter how stunning a home is, it doesn’t look good if it is obscured by shrubs, trees, and branches. Huge branches can rub against a house and damage the siding, restrict natural sunlight, and cause critters to get onto the roof. Tell your home sellers to rent or buy chainsaws to cut long branches. They can use hedge trimmers to tame bushes. Everything that covers a window or touches the house should be removed. Buyers love homes with manicured trees and healthy lawns.
When a home is up for sale, it can’t have a weathered mailbox resting atop a rotting post. Home sellers should focus on their mailboxes just as they focus on everything else. They should get new ones and place them on strong new posts. Advise homeowners to choose mailboxes that match their homes’ styles. To add appeal, they can plant flowers around the bases of the posts.
It is no secret that there are lots of ways to enhance a home’s curb appeal. Tell your home sellers to try these budget-friendly ways of boosting curb appeal and good offers won’t be too far away.
Ronique Gibson is an Associate Architect and a LEED Accredited Professional, who has been in the design industry for over 13 years. She started her design blog in 2009 and today it has become a premier destination for helping homeowners with everyday lifestyle challenges. Her readers check in daily for help with their homes, DIY project ideas, recipes, crafts, and inspiration to beautify and enjoy their homes.