7 Tips to Increase Your Home’s Curb Appeal July 27, 2013 Like you, your home has only one chance to make that all-important first impression. The buyers have already decided your home’s worth it by the time they reach your front door. Start with the front of your house when you want to impress potential buyers and beautify your home at the same time. No matter what your budget or the state of the housing market, upgrading your windows and doors can make a difference. 1. Replace Windows and Doors Energy efficiency is big with just about all homebuyers these days. Replacing your windows and doors can reduce your energy bills and increase your home’s value at the same time. If you do decide to replace your windows and doors, give extra attention to the front of the house. Your buyer’s first impression will be when they first drive up. 2. Match Your Style Any upgrades you do will need to fit in with your home’s architectural style. For example, windows and doors with clean lines and simple profiles are needed for contemporary homes, while traditional style homes look better with windows and doors designed with a more organic feel. 3. Dress Up Your Front Door Custom features are a wonderful way to achieve unique looks that stand out. Adding simple things like a door knocker, decorative glass, or grilles to your front door can add just the touch you need to grab the buyer’s attention. You can transform a basic front door into a grand entrance by adding sidelights, a transom, or double doors. Simple things, like replacing an old, worn doormat or adding a decorative plant can also create a more welcoming entrance. 4. Create More Space Don’t hide the view! Add a large picture window or sliding patio door to maximize your view and let in more light. This will make your home feel larger and lighter. 75% of real estate agents report that the amount of a home’s natural light helps appeal to potential homebuyers. 5. Don’t Forget the Garage You see it so routinely that it might not occur to you just how important your garage door is to potential buyers. The most prominent exterior feature in many homes is the garage door, so this upgrade goes a long way toward improving curb appeal. 6. Freshen Window Treatments Your windows may look amazing from the outside but if your curtains or blinds are dirty or dingy it could turn buyers off. Choose the right curtains, shades, or blinds based on the type of window and the architectural style of your home. With custom wood windows, you may even want to leave them “naked” to expose the natural beauty of the wood. 7. Clean Your Windows Your windows need to be crystal clear when any potential buyer is viewing your home; it’s best to clean them inside every day. A clean house sends a message to buyers that you take good care of the property. Clean windows also mean more sunlight will enter and your potential buyer will have unobstructed views of the outdoors.
