Curb Appeal: A One-Stop Guide for Essential Repairs and Upgrades
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Alexa Collins, Contributing AuthorClose
Alexa Collins Contributing AuthorAlexa Collins has had her work featured by USA Today, Country Living, House Beautiful, Market Watch, and The San Jose Mercury News. Alexa has written about real estate for 3 years and has interviewed over 100 top real estate agents.
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Fran Metz, Contributing EditorClose
Fran Metz Contributing EditorFran Metz is a freelance content writer, editor, blogger and traveler based in Las Vegas, Nevada. She has seven years of experience in print journalism, working at newspapers from coast to coast. She has a BA in Mass Communications from Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, and lived in Arvada for 15 years, where she gained her experience with the ever-changing real estate market. In her free time, she enjoys 4-wheeling, fishing, and creating digital art.
Maintaining impeccable curb appeal can be daunting for any homeowner. From keeping the siding spotless to the lawn freshly cut, the demands of achieving that picturesque front yard can be both time-consuming and costly.
But there’s no denying the value that curb appeal brings, especially when it’s time to sell your home. So, how can you tackle these improvements without spending too much time and money? We’ve got you covered with our essential curb appeal guide, designed to provide you with practical, cost-effective solutions.
By focusing on projects that offer the best return on investment (ROI), we’ll help you understand what potential buyers are truly looking for to maximize your home’s value — without breaking the bank.
Selling Your Home Soon?
While these curb appeal tips are great for enjoying your own home, they also can help boost buyer interest if you’re selling. Working with a top agent can help identify the best ways to prep, stage, and market your home for a successful sale.
Prioritize must-fix issues
Before diving into cosmetic upgrades, take a step back and assess the essential repairs that can’t be ignored. “Sellers want to minimize their investment to get their home sold, so I always tell them to focus on the items that would make a buyer walk away,” says Jenah Mahan, a top real estate agent in Tacoma, Washington. “A buyer isn’t going to walk away from your house because you don’t have a cute bench with pretty pillows on the front porch. Focus on the things that would kill a deal.”
According to Mahan, anything the home appraiser is going to call out is what’s going to be a dealbreaker for buyers. That includes maintenance like roofing issues, peeling paint, or anything that could hint at foundation instability.
“It doesn’t really matter how much mulch you put in the yard or how many flowers you add, because if your house has flaking paint or loose shingles or a gutter falling off, that’s going to trump anything that you make pretty,” Mahan says.
Critical issues like roofing problems, peeling paint, or signs of foundation instability should be your top priority. These problems will not only diminish your home’s curb appeal but can also lower its perceived value. Once these structural or maintenance issues are addressed, then you can shift your focus to enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your property. This approach ensures you make repairs that matter most before investing in decorative updates.
Landscaping data collected from HomeLight’s Spring 2023 Top Agent Insights Report
Garage door data collected from 2023 Cost vs. Value Remodeling Report
Exterior paint data collected from HomeLight’s New Year 2022 Top Agent Insights Report
Siding data collected from HomeLight’s Summer / Fall 2021 Top Agent Insights Report
Curb appeal tips for your front entrance
First impressions are everything — especially when it comes to real estate. The entrance to your home is the first thing buyers will notice, and it sets the tone for the rest of the property. Small but thoughtful improvements to your front entrance can make a big difference in how welcoming and inviting your home feels.
Pathways and steps
Pay close attention to the condition of your pathways and steps. Cracked pavement, uneven bricks, or broken stairs can immediately signal neglect or safety hazards. A clean, safe pathway not only creates a welcoming entryway but also prevents potential buyers from feeling uneasy before they even step inside. Repairing pathways can cost between $725 and $2,481, depending on the extent of the damage.
Front door
The front door is one of the easiest yet most impactful features to upgrade. A fresh coat of paint can breathe new life into an otherwise drab exterior, especially if you opt for a bold color that complements your home’s style. A well-painted door doesn’t just look good; it can make your home feel more inviting. The cost of painting your front door typically ranges from $135 to $300, and it’s an affordable investment with a significant return.
Front porch
Your front porch plays a key role in setting the tone for your home’s exterior. A sagging porch, loose steps, or broken railings could raise questions in the minds of buyers about the home’s overall condition. “If I see a sagging front porch or something that doesn’t look correct on the front porch, it’s immediately going to make me think that there might be a foundation issue even if there’s not,” Mahan cautions.
Repairing or stabilizing the porch helps avoid potential concerns, such as foundation problems, and improves overall safety. The average cost to repair a front porch ranges from $650 to $3,700, depending on the required work.
Exterior lighting
Outdoor lighting not only enhances the beauty of your home but also plays a crucial role in safety and theft prevention. According to the NAR, 81% of first-time buyers consider lighting an essential or desirable feature. Clear out the cobwebs, replace any burned out bulbs, and ensure that your exterior lighting works properly, illuminating pathways and highlighting landscaping elements. Replacing old, broken light fixtures or adding new ones typically costs between $158 and $1,018, depending on a variety of factors.
Curb appeal tips for your siding and roof
The condition of your home’s siding and roof factor into potential buyers’ first impressions. Ensuring they’re clean, well-maintained, and free of damage can significantly improve your home’s curb appeal and attract more buyers.
Siding and exterior paint
Replacing siding can be expensive, ranging from $16,348 for vinyl to $19,361 for fiber-cement siding on average. However, power washing your siding is a much more affordable option, typically costing about $310, and can remove dirt, mildew, and stains, giving it a cleaner look. If you have the budget for it, a fresh coat of paint on the exterior of your home can do wonders for its curb appeal. While painting your entire house can cost between $1,811 and $4,533, the return on investment is significant — up to 152%. If a full exterior paint job isn’t in the cards, at least touch up the trim and accents to give your home a polished look.
House numbers
Numbers should be visible and clean. If you have dirty, damaged, or missing property numbers, your home can appear dated or in bad shape. Plus, open house visitors may have trouble finding the place if the numbers are missing. The cost to replace house numbers can range from a few dollars to $1,000, or more. Painting numbers on the curb runs between $20 and $40.
Roof
A damaged roof is one of the most important things to address before listing your home. The cost to replace a roof can range from $7,650 to $12,750 for a typical 1,700-square-foot home. Instead of replacing the entire roof, consider repairing specific issues like broken tiles or shingles to save money. Even a simple repair can go a long way in improving your home’s curb appeal and reassuring buyers that the property is in good condition. The cost to repair roof shingles ranges from $360 to $1,830.
Curb appeal tips for your driveway and garage door
A clean, functional driveway and garage door make a significant difference in how your home is perceived from the street. Not only do these features improve the overall aesthetic, but they also provide a sense of order and functionality.
Driveway
A driveway free from weeds, cracks, and stains is crucial for maintaining a neat appearance. The most cost-effective way to clean your driveway is by using a pressure washer — an inexpensive tool that can be used for both the driveway and siding. If you have oil stains or grime, a simple solution of baking soda, cola, or powdered dishwasher detergent can work wonders. Pressure washing combined with a little elbow grease can leave your driveway looking fresh and inviting.
Garage door
Your garage door should be functional and free of any damage or wear. A broken or dented garage door can be a turnoff for buyers, so make sure it’s in working order. The cost to repair a garage door averages about $258, which is a small price to pay to maintain a cohesive and well-maintained exterior.
Mailboxes
If you have a freestanding mailbox out front, make sure it’s free from rust and grime. A cleaning product like Bar Keepers Friend will remove any rust while cleaning and polishing the mailbox at the same time. Even if your mailbox is a metal slot on your front door or garage, be sure to give it a thorough wipe down. Replacing an old mailbox can cost between $16 and $100.
Curb appeal tips for landscaping
Landscaping is one of the most effective ways to boost your home’s curb appeal — and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. According to HomeLight’s Top Agent Insights Report for Summer 2023, well-maintained landscaping can boost your sale price by an average of $7,312, resulting in a 112% return on investment.
Focus on keeping your lawn lush, trimming overgrown bushes, and planting seasonal flowers. Native plants are a great choice since they require less water and maintenance. Don’t forget to mulch flower beds for a tidy, polished look. If it’s too cold for planting, consider using potted plants, hanging baskets, or decorative items around your entryway.
Show off your curb appeal online
In today’s market, 41% of homebuyers begin their search online, according to the NAR. High-quality photos, videos, and descriptions are essential for showcasing your home’s curb appeal in online listings. Work with your real estate agent to hire a professional photographer who can capture the beauty of your home’s exterior, ensuring that potential buyers can fully appreciate the improvements you’ve made.
The importance of curb appeal when selling
Curb appeal is not just about making your home look good from the outside — it’s about creating a lasting impression that convinces buyers that the property is worth their time and money. By addressing the essential repairs first and focusing on key areas such as the front entrance, siding, roof, driveway, and landscaping, you’ll increase your home’s marketability and appeal. With careful planning and attention to detail, you can elevate your home’s curb appeal, enhance its value, and ensure it stands out in a competitive market.
Curb appeal FAQ
Focus on repairs and maintenance first, such as fixing broken elements, touching up paint, and cleaning up the yard. Then, consider landscaping and updates to your front entrance, driveway, and garage door. Prioritize projects that make a strong first impression and address potential deal-breakers.
The amount to invest depends on your budget and the specific needs of your property. Start with low-cost, high-impact improvements like decluttering, pressure washing, and freshening up paint. Consult a local real estate agent to identify the most cost-effective curb appeal projects for your area.
Simple, low-cost improvements can make a big difference. Keep your lawn and garden tidy, trim overgrown bushes, and remove weeds. Clean windows, pressure wash the siding, and touch up paint. Add some potted plants or a fresh wreath to your front entrance. Declutter and organize outdoor spaces.
Many curb appeal projects can be DIY, like cleaning, decluttering, and adding small decor items. However, for more complex tasks like roofing repairs, exterior painting, or extensive landscaping, it may be worth hiring professionals to ensure a high-quality result that appeals to potential buyers.
Prioritizing is key
Curb appeal may seem like an overwhelming task, but with the right approach, it doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. By prioritizing repairs, maintaining a clean and welcoming entrance, updating essential features, and improving landscaping, you’ll enhance your home’s exterior and attract more potential buyers. Whether you’re on a tight budget or have more flexibility, there are always cost-effective solutions to boost your home’s curb appeal and increase its marketability. The more inviting and well-maintained your home looks, the quicker it’s likely to sell and at a price you’ll be happy with.
Article Image Source: (Shopify Partners / Burst)
- "How Much Does Sidewalk Repair and Replacement Cost?" Angi (August 2024)
- "How Much Does It Cost to Paint a Door?," Angi (February 2024)
- "How Much Does It Cost to Replace Porch or Deck Railings?" Angi (September 2023)
- "13 Features New-Home Buyers Say Are Essential, Desirable," National Association of Realtors (March 2024)
- "2023 Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends Report," National Association of Realtors (March 2023)
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