Curb appeal sells homes with ease
Everyone wants to make a good first impression, that’s especially true for those who are seeking to sell their home.
“(Curb appeal) is the first impression people get when they’re pulling up to your driveway, whether they’re coming for a visit or simply driving through the neighbourhood,” says Ulya Jensen, interior designer and Rona home and garden expert.
“It sets the tone for what people should expect to see when they come into your space.”
Jensen coaches her clients to treat decorating their house’s exterior like they would any other room. The only real difference is that it’s outside.
She advises people to improve their curb appeal by getting a head start on tidying up their yard. Basic tasks to complete include sweeping, making sure all leaf and grass clippings are raked, removing cobwebs and cleaning windows. Tackle these tasks for both your front and back yards.
Make sure paint isn’t peeling and that caulking is mould free. Adding seasonal plants to your garden will give the area texture, too. In the spring and summer pot flowers, and in the fall invest in mums. For winter, Jensen tells people to fill urns with birch bark and greens.
“You want to make sure the money you put into updates is money that you will get back out,” she says, so don’t invest in furnishings or decor that have a low-return rate.
Spruce up your outdoor space with items that have a real wow factor.
For example, you may want to invest in a timeless front door, especially if your current one’s paint is peeling or if there is any rust around the edges.
Jensen suggests people look for one that best suits their house’s current style and colour scheme.
“If you have red brick, then a red front door will be overkill. If you have solid siding, you have a few more options for colour,” she says. “(You don’t always have to reach for an option that’s) overly vibrant or bright, either. A trend we’re seeing is the resurgence of solid wood doors.”
Another investment to make involves exterior lighting. Make sure all light bulbs are in good working order, and upgrade any fixtures that seem to be broken. You can even add simple LED lamps to light up your property’s front walkway.
Speaking of pathways, Jensen suggests you upgrade all footpaths, even if they look like they’re in moderately good shape.
“Make sure buyers have stable ground underneath their feet and that interlocking is flat and all walkways are clear for people to get to your front door.”
Another trend to keep in mind when doing any upgrades is the move many homeowners are making toward low-maintenance lots.
Now more than ever, people want worry-free residences; they don’t want to spend time watering large lawns or maintaining fencing.
Think about what items you actually need to best showcase your space.
If an item is redundant, remove it.
“If you have a well-maintained home from the exterior, buyers are going to assume you’ve taken the same care on the inside,” Jensen says.
“Having things neat and clean will go a long way to making a great first impression.”
You want to make sure the money you put into updates is money that you will get back out.