Imagine your front lawn perfectly trimmed and full of fresh, vibrant flowers. Would you take pride in it if it was dying and drab instead?
A few minor front yard improvements can have a major impact on your home's appearance. It could make all the difference if you're planning to sell.
Almost all realtors will tell you that curb appeal can help you fetch a higher price on the market. It could add up to 11% to the perceived value of your home!
Why does front yard curb appeal matter, and how can you improve it? Read on to learn more!
Why Curb Appeal Matters
Curb appeal is one of the most important and effective factors for selling a home. It considers how your home appears from the outside. Is it attractive to anyone who passes by?
To assess your home's curb appeal, step outside. Try to see it with new eyes. What problems do you see?
Buyers will see and focus on those problems when deciding whether to buy your home. They'll consider the landscaping, upkeep, and condition or color of the exterior.
Why does improving your home's curb appeal matter when you're selling your home? Here are a few reasons to consider.
Make a Strong First Impression
Have you shown up to a job interview looking haggard, hair askew, shirt wrinkled and dirty? You likely didn't make a good strong first impression on the employer. A house that looks neglected and shabby can do the same.
First impressions happen faster and last longer than homeowners realize. Subjects develop a lasting impression of a stranger within a tenth of a second. The same applies when you're trying to sell a home.
When potential buyers arrive at your home, the property's exterior is the first thing they'll see. It sets the tone for the rest of the property. If the outside appearance is disappointing, they won't look further.
Front yard improvements allow you to put your best foot forward from the start. You can make a positive impression.
Potential buyers will have an easier time picturing their lives there. They may imagine kids playing in the front yard or sipping iced teas on the front deck. You'll generate an emotional appeal, which could lead to a sale.
Reflects the Interior
The state of your home's exterior can indicate what the inside looks like. If the outside isn't well-maintained, buyers will assume it's the same inside. They may not bother looking further.
They could overlook your home if they notice:
- An overgrown front lawn
- Overflowing garbage
- Weeds
- Chipped or faded paint
- A broken fence
Buyers will automatically think the home was abandoned. They'll think the property is a fixer-upper and not worth their time or money.
Stand Apart from Competitors
Your front yard design can help you stand out from other homes on the market. However, you want to stand out in a good way.
Buyers won't consider your property if the landscaping is overgrown. Instead, they'll focus on a home with:
- Stunning exterior decor
- Colorful landscaping
- Luscious, healthy grass
Ensuring your home stands out from others can help you generate more tours or bids. After improving your landscaping, hire a professional photographer. Beautiful photos of your front yard design can spark interest.
You'll generate more bids as you draw more people to the property. Improving the landscaping can increase your home's desirability.
You'll have an easier time marketing the property after completing landscaping improvements. You can use high-quality photos when listing the property. Sharing those photos on social media can attract more buyers to the listing.
Higher Home Sale Price
Remember, the state of a property's exterior can indicate the state inside. Great curb appeal indicates the property is well-maintained. Potential buyers may think the value of the property is higher than it is.
Landscaping improvements could add 14% to your home's resale value. Your home could even sell six weeks faster.
You'll receive multiple offers above your initial asking price. You'll also receive more "clean" offers (offers that don't require a home inspection).
Skipping inspections will expedite the entire selling process. You'll even save money on closing costs.
Buyers will see the new shutters, stunning landscaping, and updated roof. They'll feel confident that the home was cared for.
Improving the property's perceived value can help you generate a higher return on your investment. You can increase your home sale price without overspending on interior improvements.
Front Yard Improvements
Take pride in every inch of your home, from the front yard to the back. About 98% of homeowners feel that having a home with good curb appeal is important. Home exterior and front yard improvements increased by 24% in the last six months.
Over 54% of homeowners said a neighborhood's curb appeal impacted their decision to buy their current home. About 57% said a beautiful exterior improves a home's value by $20,000. Another 16% said the impact is over $50,000.
Homeowners will even judge a house with high curb appeal as 34% more valuable than one with poor appeal. How can you improve your front yard design before listing your home? Read on for a few helpful tips!
Invest in Professional Landscaping
Hire a professional landscaping company. They can make recommendations for front yard improvements.
Sometimes, mowing the lawn and adding a few colorful flower beds are all you need. However, you may want to stand out from nearby homes to attract new buyers. Discuss:
- Burnt or dirt patches
- Reseeding
- Sod or artificial grass
- Overgrown or dying bushes
- Mulch
- Trimming trees
For eye-catching pops of color, consider adding pre-potted plants or flowers near the walkway or porch.
Update the Front Door
Add an unexpected pop of color by updating the front door. Start with a fresh coat of paint. For other upgrades, consider new hardware or an understated wreath.
Don't forget to add a doormat! Welcome guests inside and make them feel at home the moment they walk in.
Assess the entryway. How would it feel to walk to your front door for the first time?
Consider updating your street numbers and door knocker. These small upgrades can make a big difference in making your home look inviting.
Decorate and Declutter
A few small outdoor decorations can make your home look unique. Too many, however, can make it look cluttered.
Try to find the perfect balance. Add or remove decorative items around the entryway. These can include:
- Seasonal decorations
- Flags
- Garden Decor
- Potted flowers
Add Window Boxes
To add a sense of charm, consider buying or building wooden planter boxes for your front windows. Add herbs, seasonal flowers, and other types of greenery.
If you're worried about upkeep, consider adding fake plants instead.
Wash the Exterior
If your home's exterior looks dirty, buyers may keep looking. Before investing in a new coat of paint, consider power washing the deck and siding. It won't take long but can still have a major impact.
As you assess the siding, check for mold or mildew. Address these problems and the source of any excess moisture before listing the property.
Improve the Driveway
Walk around the driveway to spot minor cracks. Resealing them can make the property look cared for.
Look for ways to streamline this space. Edge the sides of the driveway using plants or stones. You can add pathway sliding for functionality and modernization.
Add New Light Fixtures
Some homebuyers will assess your property twice: once in the daylight and again in the evening. Present your home in the best light by adding new light fixtures.
Consider replacing your sconces or using DIY skills to update the existing ones. For more lighting, consider solar-powered pathway lights. You won't have to worry about wiring.
Consider Functional Improvements
Check your gutters before listing the property. Clean them out or repair them if they appear sagging or detached.
Buyers will look at everything from the siding to your garage doors. Consider adding a fresh coat of paint or new hardware. Make sure everything is functional and properly maintained.
Check the Roof
As you walk around the property, check the roof's physical condition. An old roof can turn away potential buyers. If it's old, you can improve your return on investment by replacing it.
Buyers won't want to pay out of pocket for a new roof. They may ask you to replace it before they move in. Completing this update now could lead to more bids.
If the roof wasn't recently replaced, they may submit a low-ball offer. Be proactive in increasing your home sale price.
Improve Your Front Yard Curb Appeal
To recap, why is your front yard curb appeal so important? Improving your curb appeal can increase your home's perceived value. It could boost your return on investment and lead to a faster sale.
Nearly 12,500 agents use Hommati to promote over 461,000 listings. We're your complete source for real estate visual services. Our tools can give you a competitive edge using the latest technology.
Want to enhance your property with virtual enhancements and HD photography? Contact us for methods to sell your home faster and for a higher price!