8 Ways to Improve Your Home’s Curb Appeal

Whether you are thinking of selling and want to make your home as attractive to potential buyers as possible or you simply want to impress your neighbors, these eight ideas can all help.

1. Tidy up the Trim

This one doesn’t take a large budget or an arsenal of DIY skills: Simply walk around the outside of your home and look for areas that could use a quick pick-me-up. “If a homeowner has strict budget constraints,” Realtor Tamara Moritz argues, “I suggest simple renovations such as recaulking corners and edges or adding a fresh coat of paint with a complementary accent color on trim pieces.”

2. Plan a Painting Day

You don’t need to splurge on new siding to improve the appearance of your house—in many cases, a few coats of paint can do the trick. “Paint is always the No. 1,” says Chris Arienti, broker/owner of Re/Max Executive Realty in Franklin, MA. “Paint the shed, the trim work, and, of course, the house. There are few upgrades that rival the impact of a fresh coat of paint.” A client and I noticed that a home we visited Saturday had been painted since the listing pics went up, and the new white and black paint (the color du jour of flippers) made a huge difference. We’re hoping to put in an offer this week!

3. Freshen up the Front Door

“Have an appealing front door, and make sure it is freshly stained or painted,” says Suzi Dailey with Realty ONE Luxe in Dana Point, CA. And don’t forget to think about the path buyers take to the door: be sure to replace rusted hardware and lights. “Flowers and nice landscaping in the front yard make a world of difference,” Dailey says. Remember, first impressions are often the most lasting!

4. Plant some Low-maintenance Greenery

Perennials are a good investment—with nice lines, edging, and squared-off hedges. Cut the lawn, of course, and, if necessary, make sure to weed before showings start!

5. Show the Potential for Outdoor Entertaining

While you’re working outside, look for places to create or stage space to entertain. “Outdoor spaces are extremely popular and have become almost as important as the interior,” Moritz says. “Adding an outdoor fire pit with seating or an outdoor kitchen can easily move a property to the top of the list for potential buyers.” This will usually be in the backyard, but any way to spice up the front helps as well.

6. Upgrade the Windows

Eyes might be the window to the soul, but windows are a hint to the soul of a home. “Renovations that beautify a home’s exterior while also adding energy-efficient elements are some of my favorites,” Moritz says. “Replacing old, single-paned, metal-framed windows with energy-efficient wood casement or vinyl can make a big difference in the appearance of a home.” If it’s in your budget, you may want to consider replacing divided windows with non-divided ones “to give the home a cleaner look,” Moritz adds. Windows can be expensive, so this might be more for long-term planners or those with older homes that might be harder to sell, but something to also keep in mind in renovation plans for homeowners with no plans to sell.

7. Match the Exterior to the Interior

If you’ve been out looking at homes recently, or simply visited a friend in a newer home, you might have noticed there is a certain look to homes in Southern California, particularly newly renovated or built kitchens and bathrooms. This is also true of the exterior, which should – to the best extent possible – match the interior aesthetic. As I mentioned above, the hip look at present appears to be white and black, but whatever the internal “look,” it’s best to give potential buyers a preview with what’s outside.

8. Don’t Forget the Garage

A clean, well-lit garage can help buyers visualize their stuff in your space. At a minimum, start by decluttering the garage (and the shed, if you have one). Another trick to brighten up a garage: Let in extra light, maybe even by adding windows. And consider if your budget allows you to paint the garage doors. This can be a great way to really improve the curb appeal of your home!

Word/Phrase of the Week

Proof of Funds

When you make an offer, sellers will require you to submit proof of funds. If you’re buying a house with a mortgage, it shows them that you have the cash available for your down payment and closing costs. If you’re paying all cash, your proof of funds shows you actually have the money. The following documents qualify as proof of funds:

Original or online bank statements with bank letterhead

Copy of a money market account balance with bank’s logo or letterhead

Certified financial statements, such as an income or cash flow statement that’s been signed off on by an accountant

An open equity line of credit

Make sure to check with your bank to make sure this your documents are sufficient, as I’ve had deals held up for not providing legitimate proof of funds.

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