Curb appeal, the mythical quality of beautiful houses and front lawns that all homeowners aspire to. Not only does great curb appeal add tremendous value to your home and make the selling process much quicker, but your home’s curb appeal also gives a good first impression to anyone who sees it. In a way, that gives people a good first impression of you!
As crucial as most property owners know curb appeal is, how to achieve it is a bit more elusive. We all want it ( #curbappeal on Instagram has over 359,000 uses!), but not everyone is sure how to get it.
If you’re thinking of selling your home or property soon or just want to level up your home’s attractiveness, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve rounded up my top tips for adding curb appeal to your home or property that is bound to make your home a hot commodity on the real estate market or just make a dazzling first impression on your guests and neighbors.
But first, a little history lesson!
What is curb appeal?
In simple terms, curb appeal is just how attractive your house’s front looks from the curb. The term dates back to the late fifties and early sixties during the housing boom of the time. Additionally, data shows that searches for “curb appeal” peaks around April each year when people start thinking about putting their house on the market. (Is that how you found us?)
Curb appeal looks different depending on where you live. In the American South, it might mean a classic Colonial on a large plot of land. In a coastal town, it might look like a beach bungalow with blue tones and natural elements incorporated like shells and rock. And on a farm or equestrian property, it looks like heaven on earth. (I might be a tad biased.)
Like we said, curb appeal is about more than looking nice. Just like a good first impression you make on another person, the curb appeal of your home matters. A well-landscaped home can fetch 5.5–12.7% more than one without landscaping.
And there’s a science to good curb appeal. You can break it down into three sections, from top to bottom, that must each be mastered for excellent curb appeal. Starting at the bottom, you’ve got landscaping. One level up, there’s your porch, windows, shutters, and front door. Finally, at the top, there’s your roof, gutters, and second-story windows.
Now you know the facts about curb appeal, but the question remains: how do you get it? Here are our top 10 tips for achieving outstanding curb appeal.
- Up-to-Date Hardware
You can make an older home look fresh with new and on-trend hardware. Simply switching out the lockset, house numbers, light fixtures, and mailbox can do wonders for your curb appeal. Be sure to coordinate the hardware to match. Better Homes and Gardens says, “Oiled-bronze finishes suit traditional homes, while brushed nickel suits more contemporary ones.” Don’t forget the gutters and downspouts!
- Symmetry is Key
People like to look at things that are even and symmetrical. That means one of the easiest ways to make your home more attractive is to add symmetry wherever you can! Your house may not be constructed symmetrically, but there’s plenty that is within your power. Think identical light fixtures on either side of your front door, two potted plants on either side of your porch, mirrored landscaping on either side of your front walkway. The list goes on!
- Add Flowers and Greenery Wherever You Can
Speaking of potted plants… It’s almost hard to have too much greenery and flowers! It’s a fact that natural flora is pleasurable to look at, so the more, the merrier. There’s plenty of ways to get creative with this one. Don’t limit your natural touches to your landscaping–incorporate garden beds and potted or hanging planters wherever you can! A bonus of adding planters and garden beds is the chance to add different textures (ceramic, terracotta, wood, stone, etc.) to your yard.
If you aren’t known for your green thumb, at least opt for some pretty window boxes. They’re small, easy to tend to, and level up your curb appeal!
- The Magic of a Fresh Coat of Paint
This one should be a no brainer! If you have chipped, faded, or stained paint, you’re losing out on MAJOR curb appeal points. Slapping on a new coat of paint is a relatively easy way to seriously level up your curb appeal. Research trendy paint colors to catch the eye of potential buyers!
- Express Your Individuality with Yard Art
The exterior of your home can only say so much about you. That’s where yard art comes in! Adding beautiful and unique yard art sets your home apart from the others. And it doesn’t have to be wacky–it could be as simple and timeless as a birdbath or windchime.
- Don’t Forget the Driveway & Walkway
Two areas that are often overlooked when it comes to curb appeal are the driveway and walkway. They aren’t exactly easy or affordable to upgrade, but a simple pressure wash can do wonders for the attractiveness of your home to all who see it.
- Light it Up!
Not only are light fixtures an excellent way to add symmetry and coordinating hardware, but good lighting also makes all the difference in the world when it comes to curb appeal. The last thing you want potential buyers to see is a pitch-black home at night.
- Create a Front Porch You Won’t Want to Leave
If you have a front porch, make the absolute most of it! I love a good front porch, especially for country homes. But even if you don’t have rolling fields to look out over, nobody will complain about a pleasant space to enjoy the breeze on a nice day. Invest in some nice rocking chairs and some side tables.
- Front Door as the Focal Point
Just like the eyes are the focal point of the face, the front door is the first place people look on a house. Make them do a double-take! A bright or engaging color is a great way to make the most of your front door. Ensure the entrance is free of stains, and upgrade the hardware so it’s shiny and fresh-looking. Finally, a lovely seasonal wreath always helps.
- Last but not Least, Landscaping
Last, but certainly not least, landscaping. If you’re going to invest time and money anywhere, you’d be well-advised to invest it here. A well-landscaped front lawn takes time, money, and energy, and what that communicates to all who see it is that the inside of the house is probably just as well-kept.
Thinking of buying or selling real estate in the Fraser Valley? Let’s talk!
Hi, I’m Amy! A longtime Langley, BC Realtor, and resident, I am passionate about helping others fulfill their dream of acreage living. Be it a farm, equestrian property, or just some extra space and a yard to roam, I am here to help you find the perfect country oasis to call home. As your Realtor, I believe that my obligations go beyond a simple sales transaction. You deserve expertise, ambition, and an agent that holds themselves to the highest possible standards, protecting you, and ensuring that you make the decisions that are right for you and your family.
Ready to talk about the next step in your home buying journey. Have a property you’re ready to sell? I am here for you. Let’s chat!