The age-old adage teaches us it’s what’s on the inside that counts; but when it comes to your home, the outside is just as important. Any homeseller (and their Realtor) who really wants to ensure success will improve the exterior attractiveness of their home.
Research has found improving the curb appeal of a home can boost its value by as much as 17 percent.
As a professional, you already know that curb appeal is particularly relevant in the digital age where online pictures viewed in fractions of seconds determine a buyer’s interest. Because trends shift over the years, Lawnstarter has assembled the 5 most important curb appeal trends for 2016:
1. Update the front door
This is as simple as sprucing up your front door with a fresh coat of paint. Updating your front door is worthwhile because the front door is often one of the first things prospective buyers focus on and draw conclusions about a home before entering. Relatively inexpensive, updating the front door helps send the right first-impression.
Pat McGeehan, CEO of real estate investment company Four Point Properties in Spring, Lake, NJ, suggests choosing a color for your front door that will contrast with the color palette of your front yard. He also recommends installing a shiny and ornamental knob on the front door.
2. Upgrade the garage door
Another way to improve curb appeal is by spending a little bit to upgrade the garage door. Up to 40 percent of a home’s curb appeal can be represented by the garage door. Choose a garage door such as a carriage-house style or a low- maintenance steel or composite garage door, which are all gaining popularity in North America. Be sure that the look is consistent with the existing design of a home.
3. Lighten up the exterior
Add a touch of elegance with outdoor lighting. Outdoor lighting also increases the safety of a home. Go beyond ordinary lampposts and wall-mounted lighting to make the landscaping “really stand out,” by installing “stylish and modern” lighting on your front porch. Incorporate lights along walkways and on flower boxes for added appeal.
4. Liven up the landscaping
A beautiful lawn with flowers in the front of a home will add vibrancy and make your home more visually appealing to prospective buyers. In addition to planting flowers or trees, be sure to remove any weeds and overgrowth to give your house a clean, tidy look.
5. Put furniture on the front porch
A bistro table or couple of chairs on a front porch makes a home more inviting. According to Styleathome.com, including a few pieces of furniture on the porch can yield a 40 percent to 60 percent return on investment.
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