I was recently contacted by a Realtor friend to speak on curb appeal at the Community Associations Institute (CAI) conference being held at the Austin UT alumni center. Not being comfortable enough to stand alone before a group I called my friend and fellow stager Amy George and said, “Help.” Amy, being Amy and a great public speaker said, “of course.” We put together a power point presentation which was well received at the conference. So I’d like to share some tips here as well.
What is Curb Appeal?
It is the charm of a home’s exterior.
An attractive Curb appeal welcomes the home owner and visitors alike
For staging: Lack of curb appeal scares potential buyers away, often they do not even look inside at all (if it’s not appealing on the outside, what are the odds it is appealing on the inside?)
Good curb appeal draws eager buyers inside to see more!
Quick and inexpensive ways to add curb appeal
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Who doesn’t like to Power Wash?
Once I get going, everything that doesn’t run out of my way is washed sparkling clean with MY (insert husbands eye roll here) handy dandy power washer.
Siding, brick, rock work, pathways, planters, driveway, porch, outside furniture, mailboxes, fencing, decks, storage sheds and on and on…
(Please make sure to use the correct power setting and watch those toes)
• Add Lighting.
Not an electrician, no problem! Solar lights are inexpensive, takes only minutes to install and great for lighting pathways. Personally I love up-lighting trees, the side of the house, and statement type of lighting pendants on the front porch – but that is more involved and may require an electrician.
• Trim Trees and Shrubs.
Don’t let your home be hidden behind overgrown shrubs. Don’t let your guest be attacked on the walkway or porch by unkempt bushes. This is also for safety reasons as well- don’t give anyone with bad intentions a place to hide.
For staging; Overgrown trees and shrubs scream lack of maintenance to those potential buyers!
• Paint the front door.
There is nothing that gives more bang for your buck, than paint! Invest in a good durable outdoor paint, imperative if the door is in full sun. Just about any color will work, but personally I love bright, cheery colors that say, “Come on in and have some fun!” (What? Colors don’t talk to you )
• Update door hardware and/or house numbers.
I know, this is not exactly inexpensive but you surely don’t want to put that old brass hardware back on your newly painted door now do you? Putting up large, flashy numbers can have a big impact as well.
• Install shutters.
What a difference this can make to any home but especially to a colonial style. Shutters can be found at DIY stores, or can be custom made ($$$), or even hand-made if you need a project. Shutters can be made of a variety of materials in varying sizes and can match the paint color on the door, the trim or neither. Shutters can be installed by anyone capable with a ladder and a drill!
• Add outdoor furniture.
Create an inviting entrance by adding rocking chairs to the front porch. Or better yet, visit the experts at Veranda Outdoor Living and let Lisa or Jennifer help you pick the perfect outdoor furnishings to fit your home.
• Add symmetry with plants.
Place matching planter boxes on either side of the front door or walkway and fill with festive, seasonal plants.
• Add new mulch to flower beds.
Mulch looks fresh and helps the plants and yard art pop with that well maintained look we are all going for.
For staging, that look is a must!
For more great inspiration take a look at HGTV’s curb appeal before and after photos. Then send me your own tips for a great curb appeal!