6 Cheap and Easy Ways to Increase Your Home Value With Curb Appeal
When it comes to home buying, people really do judge a book by its cover: 94% of Realtors have encouraged sellers to improve curb appeal, and 99% believe it’s important in attracting a buyer. After all, a well-landscaped home can bring in between 5.5 and 12.7% more money than one without landscaping.
Buyers love features like outdoor lighting, mature trees, tidy lawns, rock and retaining walls and a neat home exterior. But what if you’ve only got a little cash to spare, and still want to get the best price for your home?
No worries. There are several affordable, DIY curb appeal options to increase your home value that can get you some serious sweat equity.
Mulch
A little weeding and a few bags of fresh mulch will make your landscaping pop and your edges look crisp and tidy. To save $, buy your mulch in bulk—one cubic yard of mulch equals about 13 bags, and a low-end bargain mulch runs around $25 a yard (which will cover 324 square feet at a depth of one inch). Be sure to budget for delivery, which runs around $50 depending on your region.
Lawn Care
Green up your lawn. Invest in a few bags of patch kit for any bare spots, and some fertilizer to green up tired turf. Be sure to set yourself on a watering schedule so seed can sprout. In a time pinch? 12”X12” squares of turf are great ways to cover any sad spots in your lawn in a hurry.
Pottery
Pop in some pots. If you’ve got a stoop or front porch, you can introduce color and a layered, rich look by adding pots. Opt for the largest pots to fit the space, to make a statement and keep the look balanced. Consider plants like ferns, which add interest and texture. In smaller spaces, a wall-hung planter or window box creates the same effect. For planters, steer clear of plastic, which looks cheap, but stainless steel basins from a farm supply store can be a trendy and inexpensive option.
Welcome Mats
Reboot your welcome mat. For around $20 to $40, a new mat looks fresh. For an upscale, custom look on the cheap, buy a small indoor-outdoor rug in a 2’x3’ size for that space instead of the dated-looking plastic mats from the hardware store.
Door Decorations
Make your door delicious. First, give it a good cleaning, including windows, removing cobwebs, the works. Next, don’t be afraid to paint. A bland home exterior gets a boost from popular colors like hunter green, peacock teal, and burnt orange, especially when you add on bold door numbers or welcoming signage. A new handle and door knocker can bring the look up to date.
Seating
Pair some chairs. If you have space, a small seating area adds interest and expands the home’s living area. Start with two, and to keep it on the cheap, swing by a flea market and hit funky mismatched chairs with matching spray paint and coordinating outdoor pillows.
Here at Lennar Mortgage, we know your home is one of the most important investments you have, and want to help you make the most of it. With a little effort and just a few extra dollars, you can boost your home’s value and create an amazing first impression with your buyer—and net top dollar in your sale.