When it comes to selling your home, curb appeal is everything. A well-maintained and attractive exterior can make a big difference in how quickly your home sells — and for how much. But what are the best outdoor upgrades you can make to increase your home’s value?
It’s hard to know where to invest and where to cut corners. So, if you’re considering putting your home on the market and want to know which changes can help you get the most out of selling your home, read on. Here are a few of the top places to invest your efforts, and your dollars:
1. A new roof
A new roof is one of the most important investments you can make in your home. It not only protects your home from the elements, but it also makes a big impression on potential buyers.
A roof that’s old, damaged or otherwise in ill-repair when potential buyers come to visit your home indicates that you don’t much care about your property. And that means they’ll be worried not only about the cost of replacing the roof themselves, but also what other parts of the house have been neglected. This certainly isn’t the first impression you want to make if you’re looking to sell your home.
A sagging roof and leaking gutters are a big no-no in the real estate business. But a new roof can add thousands of dollars to your home’s value, so it’s a wise investment if your current roof is nearing the end of its lifespan.
- Updated siding
Siding is another important part of your home’s exterior. It protects your home from the elements and helps to keep it cool in the summer and warm in the winter. If your siding is old or damaged, it’s time for an update. New siding makes your home look its best and adds value to your property.
Updating all your siding may not be within your price range, but it’s not as pricey an exterior upgrade as you might guess at first glance. You can also refurbish only the damaged portions of the siding, or perform a simple cosmetic upgrade by using a soft-bristled brush to take off the pollen and dirt for a fresh appearance.
New, repaired or newly washed siding can make a big difference in the curb appeal of your home. In fact many realtors rank it among the most effective upgrades you can make to increase your home’s value.
3. A new front door
The front door is the first thing potential buyers see when they pull up to your home, so it’s crucial for it to make a good impression. A new front door can look stunning, easily adding curb appeal and value to your home. Choose a door that’s consistent with the style of your home and that you will be proud to show off.
An impressive entry sets the tone of the rest of your house, and you will probably end up paying anywhere from $800 to $1800 for a new door, casings and all. Reliable renovation experts estimate that you can recoup 75% of the amount you paid for your new entryway in the sale of your home.
- Landscaping
Landscaping is a great way to improve the curb appeal of your home. A well-manicured lawn and attractive landscaping can make your home look more expensive and inviting. A lot of buyers are looking for a luscious-looking lawn but one that doesn’t need a lot of upkeep. So, when it comes to your garden, it’s a good idea to plant hostas, daylilies, and other flowers that will bloom easily and for long periods.
If you don’t have a green thumb, consider hiring a professional landscaper to help you with this project. To find the perfect landscaper for your property, contact our professionals At Home Pros first.
5. A patio or deck
A deck or patio is a great way to add value to your home and create an outdoor living space that you can enjoy all year round. If you don’t have a deck or patio, consider adding one. This is a relatively affordable project that can make a big difference in the value of your home.
Many remodeling experts estimate that putting on a wooden deck can raise your curb appeal and potential sale value more than remodeling a bathroom. Without a lot of hassle, you’re adding a practical living area to your property. In fact, if you’re relatively handy, you may be able to do this type of project yourself.
6. A new driveway
A new driveway is another important investment that can add value to your home. A cracked or damaged driveway can make your home look run-down and neglected, while a new driveway does a lot to improve curb appeal and increase your home’s value.
If you can’t afford to replace your driveway but still want your property looking its best, invest in a pressure washer and scrub your driveway until it looks almost new. A pressure washer also does double duty as a tool to clean your home’s siding.
7. A new garage door
The garage door is a surprisingly important part of your home’s exterior. It protects your belongings from the elements and helps to keep your home secure. If your garage door is old or damaged, it’s time for an update.
You may think that the garage door that you currently have is doing the job, but you’d be surprised about how much a new one will add to your home’s overall curb appeal. A replacement will cost around $3,500, but you will recoup almost all of that — 98% — in resale value.
8. Security system
Like a new roof, a security system can make your home more attractive to potential buyers. It shows that you are taking steps to protect your home and belongings. A security system gives you peace of mind, knowing that your home is safe and secure, and it will give potential buyers that same sense of safety as well.
9. Energy-efficient upgrades
Energy-efficient upgrades can save you money on your utility bills and make your home more attractive to potential buyers. These updates can be as sophisticated as installing solar panels or as simple as putting in outdoor lighting. Professional air sealing, new windows or new insulation are not as visible as solar panels but still make a great difference in decreasing your carbon footprint. And as more buyers focus on the environment (along with lowering their heating and cooling bills), these improvements can be a worthwhile investment in your home.
10. Outdoor lighting
Outdoor lighting can make your home look more inviting and secure as it helps to deter crime by spotlighting areas of your home that otherwise might be shrouded in darkness. Some outdoor lighting options that you should consider include:
- Motion-sensor lights
- Landscape lighting
- Security lights
These are just a few of the many outdoor upgrades that you can make to increase your home’s value. By making these improvements, you can make your home more attractive to potential buyers and get the most money for your investment.
An upgrade may be something small, like buying a pressure washer so that you can scrub your driveway and siding to look like new — or it may be a slightly more complicated (and more expensive) undertaking like replacing windows, your front door or your garage door to make a big splash with potential buyers.
At Home Pros is an excellent resource for homeowners and renovators alike. With just a few clicks, you can have our pros connect you to high-quality home service professionals in your neighborhood. That means less time looking for the right contractor, and more time getting your home ready for that big sale.