5 Ways to Add Curb Appeal to Your Listing

DAILY REAL ESTATE NEWS | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016

Pay attention to the curb appeal of the home you’re showing. From the driveway to the front yard and home exterior, the outside of the home is a big key to buyers’ first impression of a home.

Landscape: It can pay off. Well-landscaped homes get anywhere from a 5.5 percent to 12.7 percent sales boost, according to Alex X. Niemiera, a horticulturist at Virginia Tech. Adding some plants and sprucing up the landscape may be worth it for potentially an extra $16,500 to $38,100 in value on a $300,000 home, according to his research. Make sure the grass is trimmed, clear away any dead limbs or unwanted foliage hanging around the house, and remove any tree branches or bushes that are overcrowding the yard.A recent realtor.com® article highlights some ways to boost the curb appeal of your listing, including:

Pay attention to the mailbox: “Paint it, polish it, or replace it,” according to the realtor.com® article.

Check the lights: A front porch light can add some appeal. “Attractive light fixtures can really add to the appeal of a home, even if the lights aren’t on,” realtor.com® notes.

Clean: Wash the windows. Consider power washing the house to remove any dirt and grime.

Do some touch-ups: The entire house may not require repainting but just certain areas, like the trim and front door. “While you’re at it, consider brightening the façade with a touch of contrasting color,” the article notes. “You’ll be surprised by how a little pop of color can really freshen up the space.”

Source: “What Is Curb Appeal? How to Supercharge the Impression Buyers Have of Your Home,” realtor.com® (Sept. 21, 2016)