3 Easy Ways To Add More Value To Your Home and Sell Fast

Curb appeal is important, especially when you're trying to sell.

Potential buyers' first impression of your house is based on its looks. Which means investing in curb appeal is one of the best and easiest ways to get more money for your home.

7% to 10% more for your home, to be specific (according to a joint study by the University of Alabama and the University of Texas at Arlington).

We put together this blog post with the three easiest ways to increase your curb appeal and home value. Let's dive in.

Spruce up your lawn

You probably could've guessed, but the key to increasing curb appeal is keeping your property manicured.

In fact, according to the Economic Benefits of Landscape Contractors of America, a well-manicured lawn and simple landscaping can add about 14% to the resale value.

The first thing you should do is keep your lawn mowed and trimmed and clear some grass to make sure it grows properly.

 

Grass is essential when it comes to your curb appeal. Look at the photo above. Which home is more inviting? They're both gorgeous homes. The only difference is the grass. Plant grass seeds and keep them watered if you have dirt patches or dead grass. You'll have beautiful-looking grass in no time.

Next, take a look at any trees and bushes around your house. Make sure none of them are dead or diseased, then trim off any larger than they should be. If you have overgrown shrubs or bushes, take care to trim them down, so they don’t overtake the other areas of your lawn.

Make sure to replace your garden’s dead plants with new ones to make your home feel refreshed from season to season.

Finally, mulching is a great way to keep weeds from sprouting up around new grass seedlings and bushes; use a dark brown mulch to make your soil look rich and lush.

Your driveway needs some TLC

In the same way a well-manicured lawn is welcoming, so is a clean, smooth driveway.

When people arrive at your home, what do they see? Is it a driveway with weeds, dirt, and cracks? Or is it a beautifully smooth concrete path leading up to your door? 

Think of it this way: your driveway is an arrow directing eyes to your home. You want it to pull people in.

In fact, homes are considered to have a low curb appeal if the property includes blemishes like broken pavement, according to a joint study by the University of Alabama and the University of Texas at Arlington.

If your driveway isn't looking great, don't panic. It can be fixed easily with a few simple steps.

First, look for weeds. Pull them out in between the concrete slabs or apply a weed killer. 

Next, powerwash your driveway to remove dirt and grime and extend its life.

Then make sure there are no cracks, broken pavement, or tripping hazards. If your concrete has seen better days, it might be a good idea to invest in concrete repair. Concrete repair specialists can lift and level sunken concrete in minutes. And seal any cracks and joints to look like new.

Pull people in with an inviting front entrance

Your front entrance is the first thing people see when they arrive at your home.

To make a good first impression, you want to make sure it's inviting and welcoming.

The condition of your front door can actually affect how much money you will get for your house. If you have cracks in the frame, make sure to fix them. The last thing a potential buyer wants to see is major repairs. 

Another way to improve your front entrance is to paint the front door. The color of your front door can increase (or decrease) your home's value. For example, a black front door has been reported to increase the price by 2.9%. And a red front door is viewed as "lucky" by potential buyers, according to a Zillow color analysis report.

Next, you want to create a clear path to your front door. Make sure there are no tripping hazards and if possible, use lighting to create focal points and highlight features of your home. You can also use symmetry to your advantage. Line the walkway with plants on either side to give it that WOW factor. The result will be a welcoming front entrance that invites guests in and adds to your property's overall aesthetics.

Your curb appeal is where it all starts

The exterior of your home is just as important as the inside and directly impacts the value of your home.

When you first see a house online, its exterior is the first thing you notice. So keep these tips in mind if you want to make a great first impression with your home! 

P.S. If you need help with your concrete, let us know. At Midwest, we give you the knowledge and tools you need to make the best choice for your home. We walk each customer through our process so they feel comfortable and confident in our ability to get the job done. If you want a thorough free inspection or have questions about concrete repair, call us at 515-289-1606 or leave us a message.