You've likely heard about the significance of curb appeal when selling a property, but which improvements truly increase value?
Enhancing your home's curb appeal is one of the most effective ways to boost value, but some features yield greater returns than others. While any improvement is appreciated, only certain enhancements will lead to a higher selling price.
5 Key Curb Appeal Projects
Deciding which curb appeal projects to pursue doesn't have to be a guessing game. Seasoned real estate professionals can guide you towards the most beneficial options and advise against those that aren't essential.
1. New Roof
A new roof is a major draw for buyers who are often concerned about costly repairs. Surprisingly, investing in a new roof not only covers its expenses but can also provide profit when selling.
The National Association of Realtors® Remodeling Impact Report shows that while a new roof averages $7,500, sellers can expect to recoup around $8,000, achieving a 107 percent return on investment. More than a third of realtors noted that a new roof can facilitate a sale. If you're going to invest in one curb appeal project, make it the roof.
2. Clean Home Exterior
A thorough cleaning of your home's exterior can add thousands to its value—up to $10,000 in some instances. This means more than just washing a few windows; it involves a deep clean of the entire property.
You can rent a power washer for about $100 per day or hire professionals for $250-500 for the house siding, plus an additional $200 for the driveway. Professional services are quicker and require no effort from you, and you'll recoup the costs many times over upon selling.
3. Landscaped Front Yard
Attractive landscaping not only creates a positive first impression but can also lead buyers to offer more for your home. According to Realty Times, a landscaping project typically costs around $500 but adds an impressive $1,932 in value, yielding a 258 percent return on investment. While DIY options are available, hiring a professional landscaper usually yields superior results.
4. Impeccable Lawn
A well-maintained lawn enhances your home's curb appeal. A licensed real estate agent emphasizes that a tidy lawn gives a 'welcoming, clean, bright, uncluttered' impression to potential buyers. Keep everything neat—no overgrown areas or weeds (except dandelions, which are beneficial).
Adding colorful flower beds along the edges can elevate the look further. 'Incorporate annuals and perennials for year-round vibrancy,' she suggests.
5. Freshly Painted Front Door
Exploring fresh front door options is always wise when preparing to sell. A newly painted front door, regardless of color, signals to buyers that the home is well cared for.
To maximize value, consider a glossy black finish. A black front door can increase resale value by a remarkable $6,271, according to Zillow. A matte dark gray is another appealing choice if black isn't your style.
Curb Appeal Elements That Don't Add Value
Tasks like replacing wood windows or repainting the exterior may seem significant, but they often yield disappointing returns—recouping only about half of the investment.
While maintaining your exterior paintwork and windows is necessary, regular upkeep and minor touch-ups can achieve similar results at a fraction of the cost.
