The exterior of your home gives buyers an idea of what to expect on the other side of your front door. You don’t want to lose out on potential buyers due to your home’s exterior not grabbing their attention, so when you list your home, make sure it looks attractive!
These eight projects will add the needed visual appeal to your home.
Ways to Update Your Home’s Exterior Before Listing
Install a New Front Door
If your front door is old and worn out, a quick way to give your home’s looks a lift is to replace your door with a gorgeous new one. It’s one of the most cost-effective ways to increase appeal, boost security, lower energy costs, and add a pop of color before you list your home. It will give homebuyers a focal point that makes them want to see what other attractive features lie inside.
If you don’t need a new front door, revive the look of your entry with a fresh coat of paint on your current door. Choose a bold, contrasting color that complements your home exterior’s primary color and enhances visual interest.
Maintain Your Lawn
Grass that looks great is one of the first things that says, “We take care of our stuff. This is our home. We love it, and you’re going to love it too!” Apply fertilizer and grass seed where needed.
Spruce up Your Landscaping
Add a new layer of mulch that gives a crisp contrast to your front yard flowers. Put a planter or two on the porch with cheerful yellow or white flowers. A giant fern on your porch also says, “Welcome!” to your homebuyers.
Replace Your Address Numbers
It may sound trivial, but it’s not. Your address is one of the first things your homebuyers will lay eyes on when they approach your property. And address numbers have become surprisingly modern and chic! Don’t miss out on this quick upgrade that boosts your home’s aesthetics in minutes. Choose a style that complements your property’s looks in a contrasting color that will pop against your siding color.
Repair Any Problems With Your Roof
Are there moisture spots on the ceiling of your second floor? Look inside your attic and see if your insulation is moist due to small roof leaks. While significant leaks are severe (and obvious), minor roof leaks are problems in the making and shouldn’t be ignored, particularly before listing.
If there are no signs of roof leaks indoors, grab binoculars and look at your roof from the ground. Check for missing, cracked or broken shingles, damaged flashing, or any other non-uniform-appearing aspect of your roof shingles. Call a reputable contractor (like us!) if you suspect roof damage. Have your roof thoroughly inspected for problems, and follow through with any needed repairs.
Check Your Gutters
Walk around your home and do a visual inspection of your gutters. Are they hanging crookedly from your home at any point? Is there evidence of excess moisture near your downspouts? Do your gutters or downspouts need repairs? If they are faulty, contact a gutter professional to have them repaired or replaced before listing. They weigh in more in your home’s looks than you may realize, and they should be both aesthetically pleasing and in good working order.
If your gutters haven’t been cleaned in a while, this is a good time to do that or hire someone to do it for you. Ladders can be dangerous, so take appropriate precautions if you clean them yourself. All leaves, debris, bird nests, and stray balls or toys must be removed so your gutters can channel water away from your home.
Paint Your Home’s Exterior
Does the current color of your home exterior look faded? Are there cracks and chips in the paint? When paint wears out, your home can be subject to water damage, insect infestation, and rot. You can modernize its looks and protect it from the elements with high-end exterior painting. Give your buyers a crisp, new paint job to feast their eyes on when they round the bend to your home for the first time. Fresh paint speaks of excellence and can be a great way to draw them in.
If the DIY home exterior paint job isn’t your thing, give us a call and we’ll get that done for you, ensuring your home looks its best before listing. We repair any rotting wood or failing features so your home is well protected. Next, we use quality Sherwin Williams exterior paint in the perfect hue to ensure your home looks its best. We also offer an eco-friendly paint option that comes in over 2,000 colors to choose from.
An attractive paint job announces to the world that you take good care of your home, increasing its overall value.
Pressure Wash Your Driveway & Walkways
Weather can do a real number on your driveway and walkways over time, leaving them moldy and dull looking. Freshen your home’s looks up by renting a pressure washer to clean all the cement that surrounds it. Use a degreaser on your driveway before pressure washing to remove oil stains. Start with the least powerful setting on whatever you are washing to ensure you don’t damage surfaces.
Fresh Ideas to Inspire Your Last-Minute Touches to Your Home Before Listing
At Craftsman Exterior, we take time to focus on the little things that other contractors overlook. As you get your home ready to list, if you need help with your exterior or inspiration, take a look at our gallery for some fresh ideas.
