Curb Appeal: Affordable, Simple Ways to Increase Your Property Value

When you’re ready to sell your home, curb appeal may be just what you need to give your house a positive first impression. After all, competition can be tough, and any extra touches you can give your home may work to your advantage. In fact, according to the National Association of Realtors, curb appeal alone is the top selling factor for almost 49 percent of all homes. It can also increase your property value by up to 20 percent.

Thankfully, there are many easy and affordable ways to give your home added allure. From free fixes to inexpensive investments, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to create an inviting sense of charm that attracts potential buyers to your home. But if you do have the extra funds to invest, there are a few more expensive initiatives that can help add curb appeal to your home.

Free fixes - Give your yard a fresh, modern, minimalist look by removing any excess clutter and preening unruly vegetation. Not only can this give your lawn a crisp, clean appeal, but it also can show buyers that you’ve been an attentive homeowner.

- Pull weeds, mow the lawn, rake leaves, shovel snow
- Remove debris and excess clutter
- Clean gutters
- Wash windows
- Trim bushes and tree limbs

Inexpensive undertakings - Guarantee that your house and yard are landscaped and accessorized with a few inexpensive projects that are sure to create a good impression. Although not free, these simple and often inexpensive tasks may just be the added touches that separate your house from the rest on the market.

- Mount the address numbers or address plaque on the house
- Install a porch light
- Add an interesting mailbox
- Set up night lighting, spotlight your house from the gardens or line your front walk with little solar-powered lights
- Mulch your existing flower beds
- Plant seasonal flowers, even a few bushes or trees, but keep it simple
- Paint your front door
- Repair your decks and fences
- Invest in a porch swing or chairs
- Pressure wash a dirty house

Investment projects - Lastly, when the smaller projects are completed and you are looking for additional ways to showcase your home’s worth from the curb, you will find the investment that comes with these projects will far outweigh the costs in the long run.

- Update your shutters
- Resurface your driveway
- Upkeep your garage and sheds
- Paint your house
- Replace old siding

Adding curb appeal to your home not only can make your house alluring to potential buyers, but it can also create a feeling of confidence in your property. If the exterior of your house appears well kept and inviting, it can help reduce a potential buyer’s feelings of risk or insecurity.

Finally, whether you are selling your home or simply want to give your house a little facelift, make sure that you have the homeowner's insurance coverage you need to keep your home protected.