Curb appeal is even more important as more home buyers shop for homes from a distance and narrow the lists of which homes they want to view in-person. Realtor.com® recently consulted with Clint Robertson and Luke Caldwell of HGTV’s “Boise Boys” to learn how to increase a property’s curb appeal. Here are some of their ideas:
Pay attention to the driveway and walkways.
You can take steps to make even concrete look good. After all, the driveway and walkways are what lead the eye toward a home’s front door. Any cracks or weeds popping up can present an eyesore. Patch the concrete with caulk, Robertson says. Also, Robertson and Caldwell suggest finishing a concrete driveway and walkway with a clear, glossy sealer. Or, at the very least, hose down the driveway and walkway before photos, video, or in-person tours for a fresher look.
Fix up the garage.
The garage is often an after-thought but it takes up a big portion of a home’s curb appeal. Caldwell suggests painting the garage doors the same color as the home’s trim.
“Sometimes garages feel dark and scary,” Robertson told realtor.com®. Garage doors with a row of windows filter in more light and make it feel part of a home. Garage window kits are available for many models. You can swap out existing panels and add glass inserts.
Paint the front door.
Peeling paint or rusty hardware on the front door isn’t very welcoming to a potential home buyer. “If you’re going to spend money on one thing to add curb appeal, make it a new door,” Caldwell told realtor.com®.
Front doors with glass inserts can help create a more welcoming space. But for homeowners looking to save, a fresh coat of paint may suffice.
“A fresh pop of color in red, yellow, or blue can bring life to your house immediately and catches people’s eyes as well,” Caldwell says. “It feels like thoughtful consideration has been put into the home, and ultimately that’s what we’re trying to do—to let the home feel like a home that’s been loved and cared for and thought about. A home that’s been cared for stands out.”
Read more curb appeal tips at realtor.com®.
Source: “When the Outside Matters More Than Ever: 6 Curb Appeal Tricks to Attract Buyers During Coronavirus,” realtor.com® (May 11, 2020)
