Like most homeowners, you’ve probably spent a fair amount of time and money to improve your home and property, whether it’s a new roof, a fresh coat of paint, or a meticulously cared-for lawn. Such improvements not only improve the enjoyment and functionality of your home for you and your family, they also contribute to its curb appeal, a factor that becomes crucially important if you’re considering listing your home for sale.
But even the most extensive efforts to boost curb appeal can quickly be thwarted by just a few mistakes. Here’s a quick list of what not to do when it comes to creating the best possible first impression for your home:
Don’t leave junk in clear view. When you have those bulky items that you want to get rid of, it’s common to leave them along the side of your house or driveway until you get around to making that run to the city dump. Keep in mind, however, that for those viewing your home from the curb, these items are complete eyesores, so move them to the garage or behind your home instead.
Don’t leave tools and toys lying around. Sure, every homeowner uses tools, and every home with children usually has an abundance of toys, too. When it comes to curb appeal, however, it’s important to keep these items organized as opposed to strewn around the yard, deck or porch. Invest in an outdoor storage box where the kids can put their toys when not in use, and try to develop the habit of returning your tools to the shed or garage when you’re done using them.
Don’t let trees and shrubs get out of control. While a lush landscape is a great plus for curb appeal, greens gone wild are another story. Unwieldy shrubs, overgrown perennials and invasive tree branches will make your property and house seem smaller, and generally messy. So be sure to keep up with pruning, and remove any dead plantlife altogether.
Don’t overdo the lights. While lighting can work wonders to enhance the look of your home, the wrong type of lighting can do the exact opposite. So instead of bright, harsh lighting, opt for warmer tones that create ambience. Solar lighting is often a good choice, along with decorative string lights. For areas that need to be well-lit, like a pathway or driveway, consider motion-activated lights.
Chipped paint. Whether it’s on your home’s exterior, or just the windowframes or porch railings, chipped or dirty paint can ruin your home’s outward appearance, making it seem unkempt and uncared for. So if you’ve been putting off a whole-home paint job, move it to the top of your priority list. Even if you’re not planning on selling anytime soon, fresh paint will help protect your home for several years. Then take care of any dingy or peeling trim, tending to touch-up jobs on the regular.
