First impressions matter. It’s true for people and it’s true for houses, too.
A home with great curb appeal – one that looks well-maintained and welcoming from the outside – immediately sets the tone for an enjoyable visit, whether you’re entertaining friends and family or prospective homebuyers.
If your house is on the market, curb appeal can translate into cold, hard cash: A recent study by the National Association of Realtors® found that an attractive exterior can boost your selling price by 7%. That’s great news, because elevating your curb appeal doesn’t have to come at a high price.
Here are 10 budget-friendly ways to enhance your home’s first impression:
1. Repaint Your Front Door
Your front door is a key focal point, so consider refreshing it with a new coat of paint – and as for color, don’t be afraid to go bold. This high-impact enhancement could cost you as little as a can of paint, a brush, and some masking tape. Go for a durable exterior paint with a semi-gloss finish to defend your door against the elements.
2. Wash Your Exterior
Over time, your house’s siding will accumulate dirt and particulate matter from car exhaust, but a good hosing down usually does the trick. Many home and garden stores have electric power washers that you can rent at an affordable daily rate. Make sure to use the right pressure setting for the right siding material (e.g., go gentle on vinyl).
3. Cast a Glow With Solar Lights
This is an easy, low-cost, and energy-efficient way to make your walkway more inviting and highlight your best landscaping elements. Solar lights are available in a wide range of styles and price points, and they can run for years on a single bulb. To extend your lights’ lifespan, bring them inside during the coldest months of the year.
4. Install Window Boxes
For another pop of color and vitality, consider adding planters to your street-facing windows – and maybe your porch railings, too. Window boxes can be bought new, but they also make for a relatively easy and inexpensive DIY project. Plant a colorful variety of “thrillers, spillers, and fillers” for maximum visual interest.
5. Replace Your Mailbox
It’s often the first thing that visitors look at, so if your mailbox has seen better days, upgrade it to a design that reflects your style. This could be as simple as swapping the box, or you might invest a few more dollars in a sturdy new post. Ensure that your mailbox meets USPS regulations, and always call 811 before you dig any holes.
6. Give Your Lawn an Edge
Creating a sharp boundary between your lawn and paved surfaces gives your landscaping a clean-cut look and reduces weed growth. You may be able to rent a wheeled lawn edger for a day – or borrow one from a green-thumbed neighbor. Start by mowing your lawn, then use stakes and string or an old hose to mark out your edges.
7. Rethink Your Porch Furniture
A thoughtfully arranged seating area lends a cozy feel to your entrance and extends your interior design sensibilities outward. Start by doing some feng shui on the furniture you already have – then check out some secondhand shops. You can add some color and texture with throw pillows or even an old antique rug.
8. Fix Up Your Driveway
Your driveway likely takes up a lot of visible surface area, and it performs an essential function under pressure, so show it some love. A thorough cleaning just takes a stiff-bristled broom, some water and detergent, and plenty of elbow grease. To take an asphalt driveway up another notch, apply a couple coats of sealant over a warm, dry weekend.
9. Add New House Numbers
Whether you’re looking to attract buyers or welcome guests, make your address easy to find with readable, stylish house numbers. For a distinctive look at a discounted price, look for vintage numerals at estate sales or online auction sites. To ensure visibility, print out your digits in a few different font sizes and see what’s legible from the street.
10. Refurbish Your Garage Door
Many real estate experts say that a new garage door is one of the highest return-on-investment home improvements you can make. If you can’t afford a whole new door, consider replacing individual panels or upgrading the hardware and seals. You can even add magnetic windows and carriage-style hinges for a quick and cheap makeover.
A Better Way to Pay for Home Improvements
Need help financing your next big project? Take advantage of the equity you’ve built with a HELOC (home equity line of credit). A HELOC lets you access funds as needed, and you can choose between two different payment options to suit your budget. Learn more and apply online in about 15 minutes.
The information provided is presented for general informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, legal, or business advice. Any views expressed in this article may not necessarily be those of Amegy Bank.