Project Curb Appeal: The Look for Less
[image error]It’s been said before that curb appeal, or the first impression of a house’s exterior, is a major selling factor. Whether you’re looking to unload your property soon or just spruce up your home’s exterior for the warmer season, it’s a great time to make improvements.
I spoke recently to Jason Jones, co-founder of Cap Equity Realty, to get a realtor’s perspective on affordable outdoor renovations that will give you the most bang for your buck.
“Spring and early summer are the hottest seasons of the year for home sales,” says Jones. “When spring rolls around, there are more properties on the market and as we near the end of the school year, families are getting ready to move and the activity really ramps up.” Jones says that improving a home’s curb appeal is one of the best ways to ensure it moves quickly on the market. “Aside from adding to the value of a property, with small renovations outside, you see buyers paying closer to the asking price because the property looks more turnkey.”
Create a Welcoming Entrance
Welcoming visiters to your home takes more than a friendly door mat but that’s a good place to start. You can purchase a colorful welcome mat from retailers like Home Depot and Lowe’s from $25-$50. But don’t stop there. Jones says a common, and inexpensive, way of creating an inviting entrance is by changing the color of your front door. His shade of choice: red – and for good reason. According to the Paint Quality Institute, red is the color of passion (hopefully enough to make buyers excited about your home.) On the other hand, blue is seen as “calm, serene, and relaxing, the perfect retreat from an often harsh and demanding world.” Painting your front door is a perfect DIY project with exterior paint costing barely $25 per gallon. And while you’re at it, add a couple coats to the mailbox.
Give Your Structure a Facelift
Why stop at the door? If your home’s siding is looking a little dingy and weatherworn, it’s probably time for a facelift. Repainting you structure can be a big job but’s it’s less expensive than you may think. The cost to paint a home’s exterior ranges from $1.00 – $1.79 per square foot, which includes the cost of materials and labor. Even less expensive is the price tag to brighten up your building with a good ol’ pressure wash. Rent one of these machines to clean off the effects of the cold seasons for about $65-$100 a day from from Home Depot or Lowe’s. Or you could invest in an electric pressure washer for your tool collection at about $200.
Freshen Your Landscape
Finally, you don’t have to have a green thumb to make your yard appealing this spring. The beginning of a beautiful garden can be just a few accent plants that line the path to your door. Plants are relatively cheap and will help remind buyers and neighbors alike that spring has sprung. Also, try framing your entry with a couple of large, decorative potted plants for a big effect with minimal effort. “I did this to a few properties just a few weeks ago,” says Jones. “We went as far as putting new grass in the yard but really just a few flowers can really freshen up a home’s appearance. Another easy improvement: new mulch, which tends to lose it’s color after a while. For materials, the folks at Lowe’s currently are running a “Spring Beautification” promotion that includes deals like 3 for $12 on bags of mulch. Perennials, including pansies, are also on sale for as little as $2 per pack in some areas. Also visit your local plant nursery, where you can often receive inexpensive-to-free seeds, plantable clippings and plants.
Photo Courtesy, RWCOX123.
