Curb Appeal on a Budget: Look Like a Million Bucks for Less than $50
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Chels Knorr Contributing AuthorClose
Chels Knorr Contributing AuthorChels holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Northwest Institute of Literary Arts. She is an experienced writer and editor who writes on a variety of topics in addition to real estate. Her work has been published by Intuit QuickBooks, 24 Hour Fitness, Wayfair and Angie's List, and several other publications, both literary and commercial. She resides in Phoenix, Arizona.
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Joseph Gordon Associate EditorClose
Joseph Gordon Associate EditorJoseph Gordon is an Associate Editor with HomeLight. He has seven years of experience reporting on the commercial real estate and insurance industries. He holds an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of San Francisco.
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Curb appeal is something 92% of Realtors recommend improving before putting your home up for sale. Your home’s curb appeal is the first thing potential buyers see when they pull up to the house, and a bad first impression can significantly hurt your chances of landing a sale.
Here are 11 ways to spruce up your home’s curb appeal on a budget.
1. Buy a new doormat
Invest in a new doormat. It’s a cheap and effective fix that can make a good first impression on anyone who knocks on your front door for the first time. Opt for something simple — avoid going too flashy or quirky
Estimated Cost:
$24.99 to $34.99
2. Replace the plants and flowers
Replace dead or dying plants in your front yard with hardy foliage — like Zinnia, Yarrow, or Aloe Vera. It’s best to buy already-started plants rather than trying from seeds.
Estimated Cost:
$30 for a 4 pack.
3. Refresh your mulch
Mulch tends to compact over time, so add some new stuff if the last time you mulched was over a year ago. Your yard will look like you just put in new landscaping!
Estimated Cost:
Upgrading Your Home? First, See How Much It's Worth
It’s helpful to have an idea of how much your home is worth before embarking on a project. Enter your address and answer a few questions about your home, and we’ll provide a preliminary estimate in under two minutes.
4. Hire a landscaping company
According to a National Association of Realtors survey on curb appeal, 53% of Realtors recommend sprucing up your lawn to improve your curb appeal. Hiring a lawn care service or firing up the lawn mower yourself can go a long way.
Estimated Cost:
Varies. Request a quote in your area for lawn care service from a site like Angi.com, or tackle it yourself if you’re trying to save money.
5. Give your front door a facelift
The front door is another area where a simple facelift can go a long way. Strip peeling paint or scrape sand, and wash with a trisodium phosphate solution. A color expert at your local hardware or paint store can help you match your house colors with a new, bold front door color.
Estimated Cost:
$30 to $50
6. Invest in a new hose reel
Water your lawn and flowerbeds, then roll up the hose rather than leaving it strewn across your front yard. It’s simple but effective.
Opt for a hose reel that won’t be your front yard’s focal point. Home Depot has dozens of options. If you don’t want to purchase anything, just wind it up neatly and put it aside.
Estimated Cost:
$30-50
7. Give the mailbox some love
Your mailbox takes the brunt of the elements, and after several years, it can look ragged and beat up. Consider replacing it, or if it is outside your budget, try giving it a fresh coat of paint or a good cleaning.
Estimated Cost:
Varies, depending on the scope of job
8. Clear out the gutters
Regular maintenance on your gutters won’t automatically increase your home’s resale value…but it is something that prospective buyers will take note of, as poorly maintained gutters can signal a host of other problems with your home’s roof.
Clean them out thoroughly before listing your home. Full gutters will make your newly primped yard a mess if it rains.
Estimated Cost:
$0
9. Clean your windows
If you have major grime or mud, power wash the exterior windows. Then, wash the inside and outside of the glass with warm water and a few drops of Dawn with a soft cloth.
Open up your blinds to show your home in all its natural light. Consider replacing old or ragged blinds or curtains…or remove them altogether.
Estimated Cost:
$10 to $50
10. Repair and replace
If one or two of your fence posts are broken or you have bricks or pavers missing, replace them. You can do this yourself or hire a mason. If you hire someone, you might also use the opportunity to fix any tuckpointing issues around the house.
Replace any light bulbs that have burned out with energy-efficient LEDs.
Estimated Cost:
Variable depending on the extent of the project
11. Spruce up your patio
Give your patio a good scrubbing. Wipe down and arrange your patio furniture so it’s welcoming to guests. Finish it off by sweeping. Remove any clutter that has accumulated — boxes, knick-knacks, etc.
Estimated Cost:
$0
Curb appeal on a budget is easier than you think
Whether you hire a professional or do it yourself, stepping up your curb appeal can be an inexpensive and very effective way to attract buyers and sell your home faster.
If you’re curious about your home’s estimated value, check out HomeLight’s home value estimator to get an idea of what your home might be worth. You can also consult an experienced real estate agent using HomeLight’s Agent Match if you’re ready to take the next step.
Article Image Source: (Artazum/ Shutterstock)