Curb appeal is the attractiveness of a property to you, visitors, and potential buyers. It makes it one of the most important aspects when selling. Good curb appeal makes your property stand out in the neighborhood. Unfortunately, some things kill the curb appeal and affect how fast you sell the property. Here is a list of seven things to look out for:
Not Updating the Installations and Fixtures
Installations such as the deck will wear out over time as extreme weather conditions and age take a toll on them. Some may even need a total replacement to meet your changing needs and trends. A deck builder can inspect the structure and advise you on the way forward. For instance, they may discover that it’s too weak or the wood is rotten and suggest replacement instead of fixing it.
Other critical fixtures to pay more attention to are the windows, gutters, and the roof. They are essential parts of your property that require frequent maintenance to stay in optimal condition. When it rains, broken windows let in cold air, pests, and even water. Your gutters will also need frequent cleaning to prevent clogging up.
Note that potential buyers will also pay attention to modern, energy-efficient installations. Solar-powered outdoor lights, motion sensors, and energy-efficient windows are great additions. Keep up with the maintenance schedule of these installations to prevent frequent breakdowns and decreased efficiency.
Lack of Landscaping
Landscaping is integral to curb appeal and adds character to your property. If you have a large yard, hire a professional landscaper to help you design and install the best plants that thrive in your climate. Planters or window boxes with bright flowers will add color and life. Trees, shrubs, and perennial plants will add texture and help retain moisture in the soil.
Add a potted herb garden or indoor garden for a small area. You can also incorporate accessories such as birdbaths, benches, or water features to enhance the appearance and provide a peaceful backdrop for enjoying your outdoor space. As you figure out how to go about this, remember the principles of landscape design, which are simplicity, balance, unity, and scale.
Other additions are creative sculptures, artwork, or unique furniture pieces that match the space’s style. You can also create pathways and add lighting. Remember to include seating and entertaining areas to enjoy your beautiful landscape.
Poor Lighting
It’s not until night falls that you realize how dark your outdoor space is. Poor lighting is not only a safety issue, but it also hides the beauty of your landscape. To address this issue, research the type of lighting that best suits the area.
Low-voltage lights are energy-efficient and come in various options, such as solar and LED lamps. Other options include spotlights highlighting certain features like trees, sculptures, or water. You can also install uplighting, which casts a soft light from the ground up. Don’t forget to consider pathway lighting too. It will guide people to your front door and beautify the landscape.
Dying Trees and Plants
Dead or dying trees and plants will ruin the look of the space. Prevention is always better than cure. Keep an eye on your plants and prune any dead branches. If a tree or plant is beyond saving, remove it immediately. Some trees may require professional removal; hire a certified arborist. If you’re new to gardening, ask for help from local greenhouses or nurseries. It also pays to start with simple plants before moving on to more delicate, difficult ones.
Debris and Clutter
Clean up any debris and clutter in the landscape. This includes fallen branches, leaves, and other plant materials. Remove large items such as tree stumps and rocks obstructing the landscape. Clear out any weeds or overgrown grasses. Use the debris and clutter to your advantage. Put it in compost piles to create nutrient-rich soil for plants.
Deteriorating Lawn Decorations
Lawn decorations add charm to any garden. However, over time they wear out or become weathered. Occasionally check for broken pieces, rust spots, or fading paint. Replace any broken pieces or repaint them to maintain the original look. You can also repurpose the decorations. For instance, a broken birdbath can be used as a planter. Use the remaining pieces to create an outdoor sculpture or mosaic.
Unsightly Garage and Front Door Areas
If your garage and front door areas look dull, freshen them up by adding plants and color. Place flower pots or window boxes near the entrance and hang colorful planters from the eaves. If the garage is visible from the street, paint it bright or cover it with a mural. You can also update your door hardware and install new lighting around the entrance to give it a more modern look.
With some creativity and hard work, you’ll quickly turn your outdoor living space into a place to escape everyday life and relax. You also make potential buyers more interested in your home. Look around, decide what changes you can make, and get started. Hire professionals to achieve excellent results and keep up with the maintenance schedule.
