Increasing a Homes value and Adding Curb Appeal

by: Darin Sewell

Increase the curb appeal of your home for a faster sale. Many buyers will stay in your home longer if it's staged appropriately tips to increase the curb appeal of your home. The exterior of your home, in conjunction with the landscaping, has the ability to make or break the first appearance. In other words, the exterior of your home is the first impression that buyers have in many cases and they will drive on to the next house on the list if the exterior is not appealing. In real estate, first impressions sell houses. The good news is that there are many things you can do to increase curb appeal without breaking the budget. Depending on the season, there are also many touches outside which will increase the curb appeal of your home and make more potential buyers want to see the inside.

Here are a few tips to increase the curb appeal of your home. You can address your home's curb appeal by paying attention to the windows and doors so that they appear to compliment one another and work with the other textures and colors of the house exterior and the landscaping. Attractive landscaping elements, such as shrubs, trees, and flowers, can do a great deal to increase the curb appeal of your home. Properly choosing plants and trees can increase the curb appeal of your home while adding protection and efficiency. Flowers instantly increase the curb appeal of your home. Flowers are one of the easiest and least expensive ways to make the front of your house look inviting and instantly increase the curb appeal of your home. mow the lawn and edge the grassy areas adjoining walkways keep the yard free of all debris, litter and toys make sure that all exterior doors and openings have been properly cleaned and painted paint and trim exterior wood surfaces, particularly on the front elevations make sure that all automobiles and recreational vehicles are kept out of sight make certain that all garage doors are closed. Remove dead branches from trees, move lawn tools and outdoor furniture in poor condition to the garage, and neatly store kids' toys. As for more expensive home staging techniques, consider painting your house indoors in more neutral colors and remove any busy wallpaper.

But another option that’s often overlooked is the garage door. Take a look at the message your garage door is sending. Studies show that replacing your garage door can increase the value of your home your home by as much as 4%. And even lower end doors that enhance the overall appearance will increase the value of the home by more than the cost of the door.

Increase the curb appeal of your home by ensuring the paint condition is good, paying extra attention to the front door and trim. Whether you paint, refinish, or replace the door, freshening up the entrance is sure to enhance your home's curb appeal. The style and additions you choose for your front door can affect your family's safety, as well as the amount you pay in heating and cooling bills. New stock doors give you dozens of options, while a custom door is often the focal point of the property. New doors range in price from about $100 for a steel door off the rack at the home improvement store to a custom designed wood door, which can cost thousands. And, even lower end doors that enhance the overall appearance will increase the value of the home by more than the cost of the door. The most popular materials for front door remodeling are wood, fiberglass, and steel. Wood Doors A classic choice, wood doors are sturdy and beautiful. Fiberglass Doors These doors area popular option because they combine the durability of wood with the ability to withstand extreme temperatures, all at a lower price than wood doors. Depending on your home's exterior finishing, you might consider painting the door a color that complements the color of the trim, rather than matching it. You can also freshen up the entrance by polishing or replacing the hardware on the door. Door handle sets alone can run into the hundreds of dollars, but offer a high-quality finishing touch to your renovation project. If the doorknob, lock, and kick plate are shabby, buy new ones. Your front door should enhance the existing elements, not compete with them. The same rule applies for light fixtures, house numbers, and doorbells.

If you would like to increase the curb appeal of your home, you should consider replacing an existing window in your home with a bay or bow window. A bay or bow window helps you bring light into a room and expand a view. When considering whether to use either a Bay or Bow window, a "Bay" with it's three sides is more traditional. Make sure to prune plants that are blocking the house from sight and blocking light from entering windows. And never underestimate the appeal of sparkling clean windows. Best to open windows when possible for that fresh, outdoorsy smell.

As the hot real estate boom is starting to slow down you can still make your home stand out among the others for a faster sale. Curb appeal is key and could make a difference in whether people stop and take a flyer, or drive right by. Curb appeal projects are always a good choice and the least expensive.