Curb appeal is your home’s first impression. Whether you’re preparing to sell, in need of an update, or want to best your neighbors with the most attractive house on the block, transform your home’s exterior by remembering these do’s and don’ts.
DO:
Take care of your mailbox. Straightening a leaning mailbox or planting surrounding greenery will immediately enhance curb appeal. If your mailbox is in really bad shape, buy a new one with house numbers clearly labeled.
Match your doorknobs. Matching hardware is aesthetically pleasing and could save potential buyers one less expense when negotiating a sale.
Create a walkway. Having a pedestrian path to the front door (your driveway doesn’t count!) points visitors to the correct entrance and makes your home much more inviting.
DON’T:
Re-define your home. Work with the house’s style by highlighting the architectural features it came with. Don’t add stucco or Greek revival columns just because you like the look.
Emphasize garage doors and shutters. Spruce up these features with neutral paint colors only – anything else will distract from the rest of the home and won’t appeal to a wide range of buyers when selling.
Neglect your house numbers. Using poorly made numbers adds zero curb appeal. Instead, opt for quality ones large enough so that they are easily visible from the street.
And don’t forget the most important DO of all: install great lighting!