Real estate agent respondents to a 2014 Zillow survey named curb appeal one of the five most important factors in selling a home. A study by Texas A&M University found that homes’ sales price can increase up to 17% with improved curb appeal. And according to the National Association of Realtors, 63 percent of homebuyers will drop by after viewing a home they like online. We think it just makes sense to ensure that potential buyers’ first impressions of your home are overwhelmingly positive: In other words, focus on curb appeal.

Realtor Magazine suggests that spending between one and two percent of a home’s value is a reasonable investment in curb appeal: So if your home is worth $200,000 it’s likely worth spending between $2,000 and $4,000 in enhancing your curb appeal. That amount can go a long way in making your house look fantastic from the street, but don’t panic if you don’t have that much money handy. Many of the suggestions below don’t cost much, if anything, and they can potentially make a huge difference in the purchase price of your home.

1. Maintain, maintain, maintain.

Don’t just look for big problems or flaking paint. Check your front door, mailbox post, deck, porch railings, trim, outdoor lighting, and so on to be sure everything looks well-maintained, bright, and clean. Fix anything that’s broken, polish anything that needs polishing, freshen up the paint on doors and trim, and clean and tidy any outdoor living spaces like porches, patios, and fire pits.

2. Don’t forget the roof!

Replace any missing or damaged shingles, remove any clogs from gutters, and clean any stained sections. An old, dingy-looking roof adds years to your home and makes potential buyers wary of the condition of the rest of the house.

3. Brighten your front entrance to make it cheerful and inviting.

Paint your front door with an attractive, welcoming color in a good-quality exterior paint to set the stage as people enter your home. (According to Benjamin Moore, dark red, deep mallard, and mid-olive are all excellent front door color selections.) Clean, shiny house numbers make a great impact – either update or add them to your entry. A planter or two of attractive flowers or foliage, along with a brand-new welcome mat, provide the icing on the cake.

4. Pressure wash walkways, porches and decks, and siding.

Even if your funds don’t allow a complete refreshing of your home’s exterior, a pressure washing can make a tremendous difference and make your house shine. If you don’t have your own pressure washer, you can rent one from Home Depot, Lowe’s, or another home improvement store for a reasonable price.

5. Make the most of outdoor living spaces.

At any time of year, you can show buyers how your patio, deck, or other outdoor space is an extension of your home’s interiors. Be sure all existing outdoor furnishings and accessories are clean and well-maintained. If you don’t already have them, consider adding a few inexpensive furnishings and updated, stylish accessories. Even in the winter, you can make your outdoor spaces look attractive by hanging a few strands of clear glass outdoor lights and adding a selection of potted evergreen planters

6. Don’t block the view!

Remove any blinds, shutters, or other window treatments that block the view into your outdoor living spaces. Keep front-facing window treatments open as much as possible, not only so your home looks inviting, but also it’s light-filled for any showings.

7. Clean your windows, inside and out.

This ties with #6 above – views from inside your home should be spotless, and shiny windows look great from the street.

8. Ensure that your landscaping is tidy and attractive.

At a minimum, make sure all flower beds are weeded and have fresh pine straw or mulch, and plant a few brightly colored flowers near the entryways to your home. Keep any grassy areas mowed and edged, and trim any dead branches in shrubs and trees.

9. Curb appeal + great photography = RESULTS

Great curb appeal is essential for capturing the interest of potential buyers who may drive by, but remember: excellent, professional photography makes a big difference in the amount of traffic your home for sale experiences. Most buyers are searching for properties on the Internet, and good-quality photos of your home will really set it apart from the crowd.

Lastly, with creating good curb appeal, it is important to declutter your property. Often times that comes with finding suitable storage for items that you would like to keep, but no longer have room for at your home. This all starts with finding a reputable self storage company to store your belongings. At Self Storage Partners, we take great pride in our facilities, their maintenance and their security. If you’re in need of storage, you can see all available units by clicking the button below.

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