Looking to sell your home or just wow your neighbors? Here are some great, easy-to-do tips to add curb appeal to your home. All of these cost less than 100 dollars and will dramatically improve the exterior of your home!
Beautify the Front…
Foremost, focus on the front of your home, which is considered its focal point to viewers. Tess Whitehurst, author of Amazon’s best-seller, Magical Housekeeping: Simple Charms and Practical Tips for Creating a Harmonious Home, recommends cleaning the front door, adding a fresh coat of paint, and making sure it is in the most presentable condition. To save money, Marcia Turner, Co-author of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Staging Your Home to Sell, explains that coupons are available for two free pints of paint, which is enough to cover the entire surface of the door. Shanna Bender, owner and design principal of Design Studio 15 recommends adding tall planters on either side of the front door to draw attention to the home’s central focal point, each of which costs about $30. Although Tess also suggests adding plants and flowers to the front of the home, she advises to keep the plants far enough away from the door so that it is entirely visible.
In addition to the door, multiple designers suggest playing up the porch. For instance, Turner recommends adding an inexpensive set of chairs and a little table. Turner explains that at places like Goodwill and Salvation Army, you can find great pieces for under $50. Allyona Sevanesian, Realtor at the Beverly Hills firm InSite Properties also explains how important it is to create an inviting porch. She emphasizes the importance of accessorizing, and therefore says to throw down a rug (possibly one you already have) and add colorful flowers. According to Sevanesian, “A dressed up porch creates visions of sitting out front with a morning coffee and a paper or a hot chocolate in the evening while watching the stars.” Whitehurst also believes in the power of accessorizing, and believes that incorporating chimes, flags or whirlgigs can add extra charm to your home’s exterior.
Spruce up the Greenery…
For only about $10, Bender says you can add flowers around the mailbox. Turner suggests planting annuals along the walkway, too, and highlights the importance of mowing your lawn and trimming surrounding hedges and trees.
Repair/Replace…
In addition to repairing the door, Turner says it is essential to replace worn numbers on the mailbox and on the home’s front. According to Beverly Hills realtor David Kean, “The removal of bars, out-dated metal awnings and carports, rotted wood shutters, and metal mesh security doors can drastically improve curb appeal for a minimal amount of effort and money.”
Clean it up...
Sevanesian recommends washing your windows and cleaning out gutters. If viewers see the home's outside as a mess, she believes they will automatically assume the same of the inside.
Amp up the Lighting…
Last, but not least, replacing old lighting or adding dramatic lighting can improve the appearance of your home. Turner suggests adding "up lights" in front of your home to highlight its front. Turner also recommends adding solar powered lighting along the walkway to create a romantic, welcoming appeal. Turner found a set for under $20 here at Home Depot.
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