Guarantee a good first impression—and increase
your home’s property value—with these simple tips for sprucing up your exterior
It is that time of year again, time to
start working on the outside of your home… especially if you are getting ready
to put it on the market. It is a truth universally acknowledged—by real-estate
brokers and home improvement
sites alike—that anyone looking to increase the property value of a home on the
market need only renovate
their kitchen or baths to see maximum results.
But the real truth is that, short of a
major overhaul, there are lots of smaller, less time-consuming—not to mention
more affordable—things you can do to guarantee your house makes an impact on
potential buyers.
“Did you know that the front door and
surrounding details can make or break a first impression?” says Annie Hoover,
an associate broker at ERA Reardon Realty in Jackson, Michigan, who has seen
firsthand what a difference a little paint can make. Architectural Digest asked
her to share five easy fixes
that will transform your home’s exterior without breaking the bank (or your
back). Some of them will surprise you.
Consider the front door.
Yeah, I know, I have said this a million
times, but here is what Ms. Hoover has to say, “If you’re on a budget, give
doors a face-lift with a fresh coat of paint and a new or recently polished
handle and door knocker from your local or online hardware store”. “Paint can
be bought for less than $200 depending on the brand, and a really elegant door
knocker or handle starts at $45.” Of course, you could replace the door
altogether with something more dramatic. “An arched distinctive door with side
lights will knock the socks off any buyer.”
Grab the gardening tools.
“If you have the room, anchor each side of
the door with potted plants. Potted plants are an efficient, fragrant, and
inexpensive way to add a pop of color, which is important to buyers. Also,
avoid plastic containers and be sure to use ceramic or terra-cotta pots to add
a touch of subtle opulence.”
Walk this way.
“Create an inviting walkway to your front door with beautiful blooms or
shrubs,” she says. Among Hoover’s personal favorites: hydrangeas. “Depending on
your preference, many can be found for under $30 and are easy to plant. If you
have an area along a walkway leading up to your front door, go for bright blue
and pink colors—they have a huge impact and are typically very low maintenance
and cost efficient.”
Mask with mulch.
“A few bags or small truckload of mulch can turn dry or imperfect soil into a
rich and striking border along walkways and around trees and foliage. Depending
on how much you need, you can find it for as little as $3 to $10 per bag.”
Make it inviting.
“To add character and warmth to your exterior entryway, purchase a new (clean)
welcome mat and hang an elegant outdoor wreath (these can be as low as $40),”
says Hoover. “Nothing says ‘curb appeal’ like a welcoming and warm entryway.”
