The Value of Curb Appeal for Selling Your Home

The Value of Curb Appeal for Selling Your Home 

It’s not uncommon to want to spruce up your home’s curb appeal for guests, especially if those guests are potential homebuyers. If you’re considering or in the process of selling your home, focusing on curb appeal is a great way to help attract buyers while increasing your home’s value. Spring is the perfect time to invest in outdoor projects to increase the value of your home. With the sun shining and flowers blooming, your home will be ready for its big debut on the market! 

What affects the value of a house?

An article written by Inman identifies six different factors that can influence a home’s value. One of the first things that real estate agents look at is the historical pricing and listings of the home. This price can be influenced by the housing market, home updates, curb appeal and the size of your home. When listing your home, it is important to look at all of these elements and take them into consideration to accurately price your home. The neighborhood around the home is one of the biggest factors that influence a home’s value.  Take time to identify a few local features that will make a good selling point at your next open house.

The condition or appearance of your home can also influence the buying process for future homeowners. When inviting potential homebuyers to view your home, having an attractive curb appeal will boost the value of your home. Whether your home is a fixer-upper or you have recently completed a renovation, reseeding your lawn, planting a tree or updating your garden can add a finishing touch to the exterior of your home. The next time you have an open house or showing, these quick-fixes will make your front lawn and home a showstopper. 

How much value does curb appeal add?

Before investing in your home’s curb appeal, you’re most likely wondering what your return will look like. In a research study that looked at the curb appeal based on plant material type, design sophistication and plant size, the homes that had improved landscapes also had a perceived increase in home value anywhere from 5 to 11%. From selecting a listing price to offers and appraisals, the perceived value of a home is crucial at all stages of the selling process. 

Taking the extra step to give your front lawn some TLC will show potential buyers that you are invested in the health of your home. As an added bonus,  you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the fresh springtime air. 

Curb appeal tips for selling your home

If you have plans to put your house on the market, there are plenty of curb appeal tips to improve the value of your home. Common updates include: 

1. Giving your lawn a schedule. Does your lawn have its own schedule? Over the winter there are a variety of culprits of a neglected lawn. You can help your lawn recover from a hard winter by investing in a regular watering, mowing and a treatment plan.  

2. Planting complementing greenery. When adding new plants to your yard, it’s important to have plants and trees that complement your home’s size. If you have a two-story home, trees and tall bushes are a good choice. If you have a one story home, keeping plants trimmed and short will be more appealing to the eye. 

3. Investing in functional plants. Lastly, adding in functional plants to your lawn will serve multiple purposes. An example of this is planting climbing plants such as wisteria, perennial sweet peas or Bougainvillea, all of which can add visual appeal to your lawn while also offering additional privacy if placed on a fence.  

Outdoor staging ideas

Adding curb appeal to your home may seem daunting. However, there are multiple outdoor staging ideas you can tackle this spring. These simple fixes add value to your home and help get your lawn ready for sale. 

1. Add a splash of color: Springtime flowers are a great addition to any outdoor landscape and can add color in dull areas of your yard. 

2. Replace light fixtures: Replacing old light fixtures is an easy fix that can improve the exterior of your home. New light fixtures can add personality and a fresh look to your entryway. 

3. Get a new mailbox: An outdated mailbox can damage your curb appeal. Replacing it is a cost effective way to add style to your home. 

4. Install windowsill planters: One way to draw attention to the main focus points of your home is to add prominent features. Windowsill boxes full of flowers and greenery are a great way to draw attention to your windows and to the entryway. 

5. Use hedges for increased privacy: If you’re not interested in installing wood or iron fences for privacy between neighbors, add a touch of greenery to your yard with hedges for increased lawn privacy. 

6. Maintain a healthy lawn: Your home and plants might seem like the star of the show when upping your curb appeal, but it’s actually your lawn! A healthy lawn is the best way you can leave a lasting impression on future homeowners. 

As you get ready to sell your home, know that professional services are here to help you attain a vibrant lawn to boost curb appeal! With a TruGreen Lawn Service Plan, you’ll be able to spend less time working making your yard green and more time focusing on other aspects of your home’s curb appeal. To find the right service plan for your home by visiting our Lawn Care Services page or call 1-800-464-0171 to get started.