5 Curb Appeal Improvements that Boost Your Home’s Resale Value
The thought of upgrading to a larger home is almost inescapable as your lifestyle improves, especially if it happens to be your first living space. As much as you want to settle in greener pastures, you will have to think about selling your current home at a price that helps you finance your next one.
Even if you’re not thinking of selling your home anytime soon, you will have to double down on home improvement approaches that boost its resale value. You might want to put your time into improving the interior, but several exterior improvements are just as effective in increasing your current home’s price tag. Here are a few ways to improve your home’s curb appeal.
A fresh coat of paint
The exterior is the first thing that buyers will notice, and the most motivated ones would pass on a listing that looks anything but fresh. A new coat of paint is the first thing you will want to think about if you want your home to stand out.
For the most part, most paint jobs only last for up to 10 to 20 years, but some deteriorate much faster on account of environmental factors. Regardless of the timeline, opting for a new paint job can make your home more visible. As you do so, make sure to patch up any holes and fix any dents on the exterior wall before removing stubborn debris using a power wash. This will allow for a cleaner finish, especially if you’re opting for a standard neutral color such as beige or white.
Freshen up the roof
Like your home’s paint job, its roofing system is also highly prone to environmental damage and general wear-and-tear. A thorough roof inspection is needed to uncover not just aesthetic issues, but also underlying damage caused by termites, critters, and moisture. You might also opt for a total overhaul of your roofing system. Buyers will see a new roof as an indication of higher energy efficiency, so a high rate of return is always guaranteed when you opt for a new roof design with high-quality materials over shingle replacements and other simple fixes.
Improve the landscaping
If you’re living in a high-end community, expect wealthy buyers to put an offer on your home immediately when they’re impressed by the landscaping. You just have to make sure you’re doing it well. Most landscaping projects lead to a significant reduction in a property’s final selling price, which is often the case for listings with complicated landscaping layouts and features that incur higher maintenance costs.
You might think that adding a koi pond could put more money in your pocket, but it could barely help you break even. Whether you’re building walkways or adding non-local plants to the front yard, it pays to ask for expert advice so you will know what improvements could help maximize your returns. If you happen to live in Northern California and just below San Francisco, check out this Santa Cruz landscape design guide to help you stay on the right track.
Switch up your exterior lighting
Some buyers are drawn to listings that make a statement in the dark. Aside from enhancing a home’s curb appeal, installing proper lighting fixtures in the right places can boost home security by eliminating possible blind spots. This allows effective vantage points that allow exterior surveillance cameras unobstructed views of possible entry points for trespassers.
If you have enough to spare for lighting upgrades, opt for solar-powered lights that come with motion sensors. In case you are looking for the perfect balance between security and curb appeal, invest in warm exterior lights that are focused on areas like your patio or deck. With the right placement, you could allow for picture-perfect evening shots of your home that you can use to promote your property.
Upgrade the vegetation
Exterior upgrades won’t be complete without adding fresh vegetation to the mix. Depending on the type of layout or motif you’re aiming for, it’s important to opt for mature trees that provide not just a fresher look for your home, but also enhance cooling throughout the surrounding area. To go along with the types of trees you have around your property, make sure your lawn is healthy, trimmed to the ideal lengths, and properly mulched.
Other ways you can upgrade the greenery are by setting up a flower bed in front of your home and installing a living wall that towers over your patio or deck. You will never know if buyers are willing to pay top-dollar for a home that embraces eco-friendly practices like yours.
Endnote
With these exterior improvements in mind, you can make your home stand out even in a highly competitive market and get the best return for every cent you put into enhancing curb appeal.