Much like graduating from school or getting married, moving homes is a flurry of emotions that are all new and exciting but also nerve-racking. It’s a big change, to say the least, and even though the moment has come, you may not feel entirely prepared and ready. You want your home to be sold, but it’s also all you’ve ever known, so this step is often the hardest. How do I let go of something so dear to me?

Fortunately, that answer is simple: Show it some love. The improvements you make on the inside are just as important as the outside. Today, curb appeals mean more than you might think. Driving up to a house that looks like it hasn’t seen some TLC for a few months is sometimes an indicator that the inside is the same.

But with so many guides out there, it’s hard to know exactly what to do when it comes to boosting your home’s curb appeal, and not to mention, do it easily and cost-effectively.

Fortunately, we have found the best solutions that will instantly improve the value of your home immensely without putting much green or grind into the efforts.

1. Laidback Landscaping

Before ever entering the house, potential buyers first inspect the surroundings, and that includes your front yard. Therefore, it is essential to first voyage outside and take care of the landscape before making internal home improvements.

Think about it: How is anyone ever to see your house if it’s covered by loose tree limbs and jungle vines? Ok, so it may not be that bad, but by taking the time to vamp up your yard, the home value will rise exponentially.

A good tip in this field is to make your home look as spacious, accessible, and pleasing from the outside as possible.

To do this, start by:

• Trimming tree limbs that block the view of the home, and could potentially cause future damage to the foundation. If needed, take the tree out entirely.
• Pruning and shaping hedges symmetrically and tastefully.
• Pulling weeds and bringing in color by planting some flowers.
• Taking care of the lawn and making it look plush. Don’t have grass because of the drought? No worries! Rip it out and create a “desert-friendly” garden with colorful and textured rocks and water efficient plants.

Spending money on a house that you are trying to get rid of seems counterproductive and a waste of funds, but by spending $400, you can expect a return up to four times that amount with an appealing yard that attracts buyers.

2. Friendly Fencing

Along with a well-pruned planter, it is also important to spruce up your property externally with some friendly fencing.​

Fencing, especially the cutesy picket fence, emotes a home of traditional morals, modesty, and strong family and friendly ties. Not only does it entail a classic “American Dream” vibe, but fencing also makes it clear where your property line sits on your home, immediately indicating the available yard space that comes standard with the property. You can never go wrong with vinyl driveway gates as well!

For best results, use a vinyl fence because of its high visual appeal and durability but also low expense. It’s the most “bang for your buck,” and when it comes to selling your home, you want the dollar to stretch as far as possible in order to get the best results for the slightest cost.

3. Let There Be Light!

The second most important element of house appeal is making sure your home is vibrant and friendly. The easiest way to do this is by bringing in light, both natural and electrical.

By providing extra light, the house seems larger because the entirety of the property can be seen clearly, but also the home looks inviting. A dark house comes off as old, musty, and sometimes haunted and unfriendly, which are not very strong selling points unless your potential buyers are the Adams Family.

To bring in more light try:

Replacing heavy shutters or curtains with “sheers”. It’s a lighter fabric that allows window privacy but, also, brings in more light because of its “flowiness”.

• Replacing fogged glass window pains with clear glass that will bring in more light and look fresh.
• Trimming trees and removing plants outside that could be blocking natural light from windows.
• Bringing in extra floor lamps and table lights that could illuminate dark corners and hallways.
• At the bare minimum, replace burnt out light bulbs, make sure windows are clean and open smoothly, and that all fixtures in your homework properly.

Remember, high wattage bulbs and light open up the space of your home and a soft light brings in warmth and a welcoming environment.

Avoid using neon or fluorescent lights, as it often comes off artificial and sometimes tacky.

4. Creaks and Cracks

General maintenance on a home is important for everyday life, but it is even more essential when it comes to a home on the market.

No one wants to buy a home that looks like it is a lot of work and is constantly in need of small repairs, so by sprucing up the small details, a home will be that much more appealing to the potential buyer.

Start off by:

• Making sure all windows and doors open properly with ease and without a sound. Creaking and cracking make a home sound tired and burdensome.
• Regulating plumbing by ensuring all sinks, showers, and faucets are “anti-drip” and maintain a good water flow and pressure. Decent plumbing is inviting and makes the home appear more clean and hygienic.
• Checking the function of the water heater. Does it actually heat water efficiently? Does it clink and clatter?
• Inspecting walls for mold and watermarks. These usually indicate that some plumbing has gone hog-wild and needs some attention before things get bad.
• Cleaning grout and removing rust stains for an instantly fresher aesthetic.

In general, a good rule of thumb is to follow your ears and eyes. If something looks and sounds unappealing to you, it will be even more so to a potential buyer. Fix anything that sounds or looks off, because any stain or clank indicates a tired out and broken down home.

5. The Color Conduct

Color has its many moods, which is why the color of your walls is important to the appeal of your home.

In general, don’t get crazy with paints. Reds, deep blues, and other vibrant colors may be appealing to a majority of people within their own home, but it is actually counter-productive to a home on the market.

The wrong paint choice can make a room look smaller, darker, and less innovative. Instead, choose neutral and soft colors that are both vibrant and inviting but space effective. Mellow yellows, warm browns, and off-whites are highly successful. It sounds bland, yes, but it also works. Get out of your personal taste, and even the modern day mindset, and choose a tone that is more effective.

It’s time to stop the home improvement headache and get back to celebrating this next big, and exciting step in your life. You are selling your home and moving! Gather all that are dear and cherish the memories in this home, but also allow the property to serve another equally as well by ensuring your home is in ship shape. To do this, make sure your home is welcoming, safe, and inviting for all by sprucing up the appearance with these helpful tips.

We sincerely hope you have an enjoyable process, but if you need a helping hand with home aesthetic, please contact us at Home Team and let us know! We are experts in home improvement and outdoor fencing and would love to partner with you and your home. Give us a call at our toll-free number (714-893-9921) for questions, or to speak with a design consultant, call 714-893-9921.