7 Projects to Maximise The Street Appeal Of Your Home

“If your home is over 20 years old, it’s time to replace the roof,” instructs US-based real estate agent Mary Ann Graboyes.

“Even if there are no leaks or issues, by providing the next homeowner with the assurance of a new roof, your home’s list price will ultimately improve.”

Energy-efficient roof choices are more available as well as other options like a white metal roof which can be up to 60 percent cooler than a black asphalt shingle roof.

Tinder isn’t the only app you swipe right on if you like a photo. Home buyers quickly swipe past homes on apps that lack curb appeal.

An attractive well-manicured lawn and an attractive front door is a good start, but Graboyes suggests sprucing up your landscaping, repairing or resealing the driveway, pressure washing the house and sidewalk, replacing the mailbox and house letters, and of course, adding some potted flowers to the front entryway for a welcoming touch.

According to realtor Luis Dominguez of Douglas Elliman Real Estate, the front door also symbolises the entire face of the home.

“Having an updated front door with quality door handles is a great first impression,” says Dominguez.

He finds that red, yellow, or blue doors are currently the most popular.

A driveway doesn’t warrant much thought for most of us.

But when you drive past house the with all the bells and whistles and notice the worn out asphalt or cracked concrete driveway with weeds growing from the cracks, it suddenly comes into focus.

Stamped concrete and paved driveways compliment a beautiful home. You may even consider reconfiguring it.

“A correctly designed driveway will actually make the house look bigger when your potential buyer is pulling up to the house for the first time,” notes Dominguez.

Sure, a concrete patio or deck is great for BBQs and entertaining, but we scurry indoors if the sun is baking us or a few rain drops threaten to ruin the fun.

“Adding a covered terrace can expand your house exponentially,” says Dominguez.

Make it more enticing by adding electricity, comfy seating, decorative patio heaters, and bar area.

“Having an outdoor space under a roof will allow the buyer to imagine extra living area space, allowing your home to compete against bigger homes,” says Dominguez.

A large two-car garage door is a huge eyesore if it’s rusty, banged up, or if the paint is faded,” says Allen Shayanfekr, CEO and co-founder of Sharestates.

Replace the doors, but don’t stop there.

Trick out the garage floors with epoxy paint, finish the walls with Sheetrock, and add insulation to the walls and garage door.

Add storage units, work bench or tool chest and proper hardware for hanging bikes, tools, and lawn care items.

Speaking of garages, what are you doing with the empty space above it? How about creating a studio apartment?

“In many communities, people are starting to expand over their garages to add more living space,” says Shayanfekr.

“Not only will this benefit potential buyers, but as a possible source of rental income it will increase the value of that property.”

It’s important to ensure your front yard has life, year-round.

“Flowers and seasonal shrubs, evergreen trees, and foliage bring color to your front yard all four seasons,” says Kevin Guzior, Vice President of Marketing at Pioneer Landscape Centres.

Living curb appeal doesn’t fade at night.

“To give your home a welcoming look, day or night, use landscape lighting to feature your proudest yard areas.”

Any size yard can be an oasis and a home improvement that feels good on your bare feet – especially if you install artificial grass.

“Its bright, natural-looking lawn all year and its easy maintenance and safe for kids and pets,” says Guzior.

Be sure to add color with seasonal and evergreen foliage and colored planters.

“Garden mounds along the edges of your yard by using mulch, rip rap, boulders, use pavers for an aesthetic border and landscape lighting to highlight these spaces,” suggests Guzior.

Source: RD.com