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Hello Spring! 🌷 2022 is quickly coming and going, but I love embracing a new season with a fresh start. Now that spring is officially here, it’s the perfect time to give our home’s curb appeal a lovely boost and some TLC. The spring season si that gentle nudge telling us to tackle some projects that have probably been on our to-do list for a little too long.
What does spring cleaning mean to you?
Spring cleaning could mean: cleaning out our closets, reorganizing the garage, sprucing up the backyard. I know for me, spring represents freshness and new beginnings (and hallelujah to warm weather!) Spring is also a popular time for homeowners to begin thinking about possibly selling their homes. According to the National Association of Realtors®, the busiest months for sellers are May, June, July and August (June is the peak selling month of the four.)1 It makes sense for homeowners to start making improvements in early Spring to prepare for the busy activity that usually ensues in late Spring and Summer.
Why is curb appeal so important?
According to a study done by the University of Alabama and the University of Texas at Arlington, curb appeal is the proven way to increase the value of your home by as much as 7%, possibly more.2
Let’s face it, we buy with our eyes. Why not capitalize on that and invest back into our homes? Another added benefit of attractive curb appeal is that it will make your home stand out from your neighbors’ who could also be selling their home. The good news is that with the right curb appeal you can dramatically increase your home’s value with very little effort. Additionally, curb appeal is your home’s first chance to make an impression on visitors (or buyers).
Even if you aren’t selling your home, maybe you’re looking for really simple ways to spruce up the exterior just for your own satisfaction. I can tell you that it’s very much possible to make your home feel brand new just by touching up a few things.
Alright, now that we got some data out of the way it’s time to take some action. Make your home as attractive as possible in the most cost-effective way with these 5 easy steps below.
Affiliate Disclosure: There are some affiliate links below, but these are all products I highly recommend. I receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Thank you for your support!
1. Replace the mulch in your front yard.
When I first got my real estate license back in 2016, something I still remember early on in my training was “a bag of mulch can go a long way.” And my instructor was right. Something about layering a fresh bag of mulch can really liven up a yard.
Did you know that there is red, black, and brown mulch? And it doesn’t stop there. There are dozens of types of mulch from shredded bark to pine straw (honestly, I had no idea myself.) Indeed, several options to choose from. However, the ultimate goal is to pick a mulch that won’t clash with your existing plants. There really isn’t a good or bad mulch per se, but the aesthetics are important. If you’re wondering which type of mulch to go with, here is a great guide on how to pick the right mulch for your yard.
2. Pressure wash your driveway.
When I go home searching, I get perked up when I see a freshly cleaned driveway. What a way to make people stop and stare!
Do it yourself with a pressure washer like this one with at least 2,000 PSI. An average-sized driveway will take about an hour or two to get the job done (it could take longer depending on the length of the driveway and the maximum pressure of the machine itself). Or you can just relax in your lawn chair and hire a local pro to do it too. Pressure washing makes your driveway literally look brand new, it’s worth doing.
3. Add potted plants.
I am no green thumb (one day, hopefully soon), but one thing is for sure potted plants can really boost your home’s curb appeal. Potted plants are another favorite because they can add a beautiful pop of color to a neutral or white background, like the photo above. Gotta love that contrast!
Plants don’t have to be uber exotic to make an impression. If you’re starting from scratch, I recommend getting some evergreen potted plants (called annuals). Annuals are plants that are great outdoors year-round like zinnias and pansies.
Potted plants are super-duper flexible: you can place them on your driveway, plant them in your garden, or hang them on your front porch. Take two pots of blooming zinnias and place them on your freshly washed driveway, ooh la la! Easy on the eyes! 🌷
4. Change your light fixtures.
One of my favorite curb appeal improvements is updating the light fixture. Swap out the light fixture from the 90s for something modern like this. I fall for the house with updated light fixtures.
Most outdoor light fixtures are under $100 making this very affordable yet powerful because it really makes your home stand out. Additionally, light fixtures give personality and style to the home. It’s the little things that can speak volumes to potential buyers or even yourself.
5. Update your house numbers.
Changing your house numbers is super trendy right now. There are lots of styles to choose from, however, lately, the popular trend we are seeing is the black metal numbers in a modern, sans serif-like font. It’s classy, timeless, and you likely wouldn’t need to update your house numbers for quite some years. It coordinates beautifully with that contemporary light fixture too.
Again, a quick and easy improvement that makes your home feel and look brand new.
Conclusion: Curb appeal is effective.
In summary, just by implementing one or two of these strategies, your neighbors will certainly notice a remarkable difference. Can you imagine if you did all five? People would think that you built a new house. Buyers are willing to pay more for a home that is already updated and modernized. And who wouldn’t want an extra 7% in home value? That is the impact of curb appeal and a little elbow grease, it works folks.
Thanks for reading, tell me what you’re working on this spring to spruce your curb appeal in the comments!
xoxo,
Courtney G.
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Sources:
1. “Seasonality in the Housing Market” National Association of Realtors® (January 2, 2019)
2. “How much does curb appeal affect home value?” Realtor® Magazine (January 27, 2020)
