It’s almost that time! You can almost smell Spring in the air, which means it’s almost time to get outside, dig in the dirt, and get our yards ready for summer!
Even if you aren’t thinking about selling your house right now, thinking about the curb appeal as you tackle outdoor projects will make it much easier to get your home ready in the future, while creating more enjoyment now. Potential buyers will know whether they want to buy your home within the first eight seconds. That’s before they even get out of the car!
What will potential buyers see when they drive up your driveway? Here are some basic tips for creating curb appeal that won’t break the budget.
Keep your yard neat
The first rule for curb appeal is to keep the yard mowed and trimmed. An unruly yard will annoy your neighbors and look unsightly to passersby. Use an edger around flower beds to help keep weeds and grass out of your flowers, and add a layer of fresh mulch. Fresh mulch not only looks crisp and clean, but it will also keep weeds down, and help your plants conserve water. Keep bushes and trees neatly trimmed, and remove dead wood from trees. Don’t allow bushes to obscure windows or doors.
Keep sidewalks and pathways clear
Clear weeds and dead leaves from sidewalks, and keep them in good repair. Use a power washer to freshen up the concrete if it’s become darkened over time (just be careful around plants!). If you have a deck, porch, or patio, make sure it’s free of leaves and debris, and that all steps and railings are safe. Trim bushes back away from sidewalks to that they don’t feel crowded.
Paint
If you have a painted exterior, walk around your home and check for signs of chipping or peeling. This may be a sign that it’s time to repaint. If you have vinyl or aluminum siding, you can freshen it up by washing the exterior with a hose and approved detergent. Nothing is worse than green mossy stuff growing on your siding to turn away potential buyers! Make sure door and window trims, or wood posts and railings on your porch are freshly painted and free from peeling paint.
Update your house numbers
If your house numbers are missing, rusted, or faded, it might be time to replace them. You might be able to repaint them, if you are on a budget.
Take care of your mailbox
A faded, beat-up mailbox is obviously still functional. No reason to replace it right? Not so fast. A potential buyer may see a old, beat-up mailbox, or a rotten, leaning wooden post, and wonder what else in the home has been neglected.
Add some color
You can freshen up the look of your entry way with a pop of color by repainting your front door, or by painting the trim a coordinating color. It’s amazing what a difference just a little bit of paint can make, even if you can’t afford to repaint the whole house. A freshly painted entryway can do a lot to improve the curb appeal. You can also add color to your entryway with some pots of flowering annuals positioned strategically on the porch steps or by the door.
If you are thinking about selling your home this year, we can help! Whether you are looking to buy or sell a home in Northern Virginia, we are always here to help with all your real estate needs! If you are unsure of your home’s value or if you are thinking about buying or selling, contact Jason at 703-298-7037 or Even if you aren’t thinking about selling your house right now, thinking about the curb appeal as you tackle outdoor projects will make it much easier to get your home ready in the future.Jason@JasonAndBonnie.com.
