Since the start of 2021, the median price of homes has increased by $31,000. And, since the housing market doesn’t look like it’s slowing down any time soon, many smart homeowners would like to put their properties on the market while they can set a higher asking price. Of course, if you want to sell your home quickly, you’ll need to get it ready for potential buyers. And, one way to do so is by boosting curb appeal ideas.
The good news is that you can do so without spending a lot of money. So, keep reading for cheap curb appeal ideas!
- Give Your Landscaping a Boost
You don’t have to contract a professional landscaping company, but taking a couple of days to enhance your yard with plants and greenery can go a long way. When buyers see how well you attend to your lawn, they’ll naturally assume that you care for the inside of your home.
Check out these curb appeal landscaping tips!
Put Out Some Potted Plants
Plants add a pop of color to your yard and make your property more inviting. Even if you don’t have flowerbeds, you can set out potted plants on both sides of your walkway. And, if you want to make a big statement, use plants of varying heights.
Add Some Mulch
Another way to add some color and make your plants pop is by adding mulch to your flowerbeds. Doing so also prevents weeds from spreading, meaning that you’ll have an easier time maintaining your lawn during busy open houses and showings.
Trim Your Shrubs
Without proper pruning, your shrubs may start to look a bit dull. So, if you notice that they have more branches than greenery, you’ll need to even them out. Pruning also makes it easier for the plant to get sunlight and fresh air, encouraging your plants to grow fuller.
Balance Out Your Flowerbeds
Even if you have a lawn full of greenery and flowers, it may look a bit off-balance. But, a great way to achieve a symmetrical and visually appealing yard is by mixing evergreens with broad-leafed plants of varying heights and textures. And, remember that the taller plants should be in the back of the flower beds and the shorter ones in the front.
- Spruce Up Exterior Doors
One of the largest exterior features is the garage door, which potential buyers will see even before pulling into your driveway. If your garage door lacks details or looks bland, you may consider placing temporary hardware on it, such as magnetic handles or panels.
Another great and cheap way to freshen up your garage door is by painting it. However, you should avoid going for basic white paint and instead opt for a color that matches your siding or contrasts your front door. Just remember to use exterior semigloss paint and avoid painting on a humid or rainy day.
Of course, with a vibrant and stylish front door, you can boost your curb appeal even more. Some people prefer darker colors such as charcoal, while others like a cheerful pop of color, like red or yellow. No matter which color you choose, make sure it goes with your exterior color scheme!
- Install Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor lighting is especially important in the winter months, as it may already be dark when potential buyers attend evening showings.
Some homes have just one outdoor light by the door or garage. Yet, if you want your home to feel warm and secure, you should install lighting that creates a pathway from the driveway to the front door.
Of course, this doesn’t have to be a huge project! You can place some solar-powered spotlights into flowerbeds, aiming them towards the sidewalk.
Another great way to improve your exterior lighting is by uplighting or shining a spotlight under a key feature of your yard. This can add some dimension and help people notice the best things about your home, even at night.
Alternatively, you can place your lighting inside a tree so that it illuminates a pathway below. This lighting trick creates a soft glow for visitors and makes the lawn feel safe and cozy.
- Replace Your Street Numbers and Mailbox
When preparing for a home appraisal, many people overlook small details. Yet, it’s often the little things that make an impression when you are selling a home.
So, take some time to examine your house number and mailbox. Are they rusty? Are the numbers missing or peeling off? If so, it’s time to replace them!
- Refinish Your Lawn Furniture
Over the years, lawn furniture can start to look dingy, especially if the elements like rain and snow weather it. While this may not seem so important in the grand scheme of things, it may make the difference to potential buyers who notice the front yard before anything else.
If they can envision themselves sitting on your front porch in the morning and having a cup of coffee, they’re much more likely to schedule a tour of your home. So, take some time to replace or refinish your outdoor furniture before taking your listing photos!
Increase Your House Value with These Cheap Curb Appeal Ideas
As you can see, it doesn’t have to cost thousands of dollars to boost your home’s curb appeal. With some simple changes and a few trips to your hardware store, you can make use of these cheap curb appeal ideas! So get to work, and don’t forget to take before and after photos of your home so you can compare them!
Did you enjoy these curb appeal ideas? If so, be sure to check out more of our home improvement posts that can help boost your home value!
