When it comes to selling your home, buyers will fall in love with the presentation, not the potential. Every home “has potential,” but buyers want to visualize themselves living in their new home right off the bat. Your home’s exterior is the first thing they see and sets the tone for how they’ll perceive the rest of the property. That initial first impression can either make them excited or cause them to doubt even before they’ve stepped through the front door.
According to real estate experts, increasing your home’s curb appeal can boost the perceived value. One study found that homes with high curb appeal sold for 7-14% more than similar properties with an “uninviting exterior.” In a competitive market, improving your home’s exterior aesthetics in the following ways can make a huge difference.
Upgrade Your Siding
Peeling or faded paint and warped siding is a red flag to potential buyers. It sends the message that you haven’t taken care of your property and there could be hidden damage. On the other hand, attractive siding communicates a sense of beauty and peace of mind.
If you’re aiming to sell your home fast, don’t just replace aging vinyl siding with more vinyl or something like stucco that can’t handle water. If it’s time to replace your siding, go all out with high-quality fiber cement plank siding. One of the best brands is James Hardie.
James Hardie siding not only looks amazing, but it resists rot, pests, and fire while handling extreme temperatures. It comes in a variety of styles, including traditional horizontal siding, staggered edge shingles, and vertical siding. You also have options for different widths and textures, thicker boards, and there’s a luxury panel collection that can make any home look impressive.
Fix Your Outdoor Lighting
While you probably won’t meet with many potential buyers in the middle of the night, you can expect them to drive by at night to see what the property looks like in the darkness. Home buyers want to see good outdoor lighting, and if yours is lacking or non-existent, it’s time for an upgrade.
Simple lanterns, sconces, and pendant lights by the entryway and garage can completely overhaul the look and feel of your exterior. And don’t forget to light the pathways. Well-lit walkways make a property safer while creating a polished vibe. It will make your property feel more high-end to potential buyers. And if you have well-maintained trees and bushes, you can use lighting to add depth to your yard.
Make Your Rooftop Look Amazing
Buyers won’t climb up on your roof, but they can see it from the ground. An ugly roof can kill an otherwise good vibe. Nobody likes dealing with roof repairs or replacements, and if your roof needs some TLC, you’ll sell your home faster by handling it now. Neglected roof maintenance can cause potential buyers to walk away or make lowball offers.
Start by replacing any missing or broken shingles and cleaning off moss and other debris. These simple fixes will make your home look better. Once you’ve addressed the actual roof, consider your flashing and chimneys, including the caps. If anything is falling apart or looks bad, tuckpointing and cap replacements will help.
Upgrade Your Front Door
An outdated, worn-out, chipped, or dented front door sends the wrong message to potential buyers. It gives the impression of limited security, neglect, and disappointment. An intentionally selected, beautiful door will make buyers feel secure and ready to step inside.
According to Architectural Digest, bold front door colors like navy, deep red, and even matte black can create a stunning visual contrast that elevates the look of your entire home. When your door looks good, it tells potential buyers that the rest of your home is taken care of.
If you can’t or don’t want to replace the entire front door, you can swap the hardware and make it look a little fancier. If your front door is still sporting the hardware that came from the builders, it’s time for a change. Simple matte black or antique brass fixtures will make your door look modern and luxurious without costing a fortune.
You can also add a smart lock to boost confidence in security. Many buyers love the idea of smart home features, and smart locks are affordable and easy to install.
Make Your Home Memorable
When your property makes a good first impression on potential buyers, they’ll remember it as somewhere they’d want to live. Whether you’re preparing for a sale now or later, the payoff is worth every dollar you invest in upgrading your home’s exterior.
