Curb appeal is more important than ever. With the vast majority of buyers browsing online long before they see the property in person, you have to wow them with a great set of photos. Here are the most essential items to have on your curb appeal checklist.
Power Washing
A home that’s stained with mildew isn’t going to impress anyone. Hire a professional to power wash the siding, sidewalks, porches, decks, gutters, roof—basically every exterior surface. It’s amazing how much grime and discoloration it can remove.
House Numbers
An often-overlooked element to curb appeal, the house numbers can either be an eyesore or part of an overall good first impression. Replacing old, missing, or faded numbers is a quick and inexpensive fix. Choose a style that complements the rest of the home—and don’t forget to update the numbers on the mailbox as well as the front of the house.
Mailbox
Speaking of mailboxes, update the property with a cheerful, sturdy mailbox. Surround the base with a small flowerbed and some colorful blooms.
No-Clutter Zone
The sellers should know this already, but it doesn’t hurt to remind them. If they’re still living in the home while the property is listed, they need to make sure that the outside is a clutter-free zone. (Of course, it’d be great if the inside was tidy, too.) No kids’ toys, no dead plants, and no junk creating an eyesore.
Solar Lights
It’s incredible what a little light can do. Add solar lights along a fence or lining a sidewalk to add instant curb appeal to the property. They’re inexpensive and make a big impression. If the property has a deck or porch, make sure that it’s attractively lit to show off the desirable features.
Vibrant Front Door
Give some serious thought to updating the front door color. While you don’t want to get too adventurous with the palette, we’ve seen homes with red, green, or blue doors that look like a million bucks.
Landscaping Triage
The homeowner might not have the budget to do a complete overhaul of the landscaping. That’s fine. Work with what you have, and focus on the most impactful areas first. You can also distract from a sub-par lawn with attractive window boxes and potted plants near the entryway.
