What exactly is curb appeal?

Curb appeal is defined by the aesthetic qualities visible to potential home buyers from a public vantage point. It is the “first impression” many prospective buyers will have of your property. It includes details such as landscaping, structural integrity, architectural design, building materials, paint scheme, lighting, and maintenance.

It is worth noting that curb appeal is not limited to just the view from the front of your property. Many potential buyers will make it a point to view the home from as many available angles as they can. This is why a house with a lot of curb appeal is a valuable property indeed.

The level of curb appeal that your property has can be the difference between a house sitting on the market for months or selling in a manner of weeks. With so many homes on the market, competing for the attention of buyers, you want to make sure that your home stands out.

Improving Your Curb Appeal

First impressions are paramount and potential buyers are not going to view your property the same way as you do. Many sellers often find that it is helpful to solicit advice from their REALTOR, someone who can provide an objective opinion on ways to increase the appeal of your home to prospective buyers.

This is the time to make sure that lawn is always mowed, the bushes are trimmed and that anything that hanging or broken is immediately fixed. Be sure that your outdoor lights work in the evening and that all of your fixtures outside are in good working order.

Take the time to make sure that your windows are clean, your doorknobs are shiny and that shutters are given a fresh coat of paint if needed. If the exterior of your house needs a little TLC, consider a pressure wash along the façade, driveway and surrounding sidewalks.

Providing landscaping to a home always increases its appeal and makes it seem more inviting to the viewer. By planting flowers around the home you are giving buyers more to focus their attention on than just the exterior structure. A well-manicured lawn goes a long way in helping to enhance your curb appeal.

The key is to make sure that potential buyers know that your house is cared for. You want them to take one look at your property and say, “This is where I want to live.”