Love at First Sight – A Comprehensive Guide to Curb Appeal

We’re all aware of how important and lasting first impressions are — and that doesn’t just apply to people. This isn’t just about a nice paint job or a tidy garden, although those are important.

Curb appeal is the first thing people notice about a house. It’s how attractive and inviting a home looks from the outside. The overall look and feel of a house’s exterior can stand out, attract attention, and entice both passers-by and prospective buyers alike.

When we discuss curb appeal, we’re talking about the X factor that makes someone who’s only glanced at a house stop and think, “This could be my home.”.

But curb appeal isn’t just about drawing attention and interest — it’s the first point of contact between your property and the prospective buyer, so it sets the stage for everything that follows.

Armed with the knowledge of what factors combine to achieve this often intangible attribute, realtors can market homes that already have this quality more effectively and improve the curb appeal of homes that aren’t quite there yet.

The Impact of Curb Appeal on Property Value

The first view of a home always affects the rest of the sale process. This effect can range from outright dismissal at one end of the spectrum to buyers falling in love at first sight at the other extreme. 

Clean, well-maintained, picturesque exteriors aren’t just pleasing to the eye — they’re a clear indicator that the property in question is well-cared for. Investments in landscaping, painting, general upkeep, and home renovations pay off by increasing the perceived value of the property.

To sell an expensive house, you need to find a buyer with deep pockets. This means attracting the creme de la creme of home buyers, those high-end clients who occupy the higher tax brackets owing to their high incomes. The first impression of a house has to reflect the values of your desired buyers — which means aiming for elegance, lushness, and prestige.

But curb appeal isn’t just about attracting buyers or even closing the deal — per a study from The University of Texas at Arlington, it can have a very significant impact on price, contributing up to 7% of a home’s total value when sold.

4 Tips to Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal

On top of attracting high-end clients and selling for more, properties with high curb appeal often sell faster as well. When buyers are visually attracted to a property, they are more likely to make quicker decisions, reducing the time a property spends on the market. 

In fast-paced, competitive real estate markets (which are also the most appealing), this is quite the edge to have over the competition.

So, what are the practical steps that realtors can take to improve first impressions? While numerous factors make up curb appeal, let’s hone in on 4 key areas based on impact and how easy it is to implement them.

Enhance Your Landscaping and Hardscaping

Start by assessing your landscape for potential enhancements, such as revitalizing overgrown areas or filling in bare patches. Incorporate hardscaping features like stone paths or retaining walls to add structure and depth to your outdoor space. These additions should align with your home’s overall aesthetic and serve practical purposes. 

Keep in mind what season it is — for example if you’re planning on working on curb appeal in fall, it’s important to regularly rake leaves from driveways and patios, while in terms of landscaping, Chrysanthemums and purple fountain grass pair well with autumn colors.

The key is to choose a design and plant selection that complements your home’s existing architecture. Don’t neglect your roofing, front wall, and doorway either — engaging the services of reputable contractors ensures peak performance for sprucing up these elements, allows you to tackle multiple areas of improvement at once, and achieves a synergy that maximizes your property’s curb appeal

Choose the Right Colors

When picking colors for your home’s exterior, it’s important to think about more than just what you like. 

The right colors can transform the entire image of your house and fit in with its surroundings. First, consider the style of your house. Different styles look good with different colors. For example, a classic house might look best with traditional colors, while a modern house might suit something more minimal.

Look at the area around your house, too. Your colors should go well with nearby houses and the natural environment. If you’re in a forested area, earthy colors might work well, whereas coastal homes might look better with blues or greens.

Accessorize for Impact

Accessorizing your home’s exterior is a simple yet effective way to boost curb appeal.

However, be sure to choose the right accessories considering your home’s style, color scheme, and the message you want to convey. For a cohesive look, match these accessories with the style and era of your home.

Here are some of the accessories you should pay attention to:

• House numbers and mailboxes. These offer an opportunity to make a statement. Sleek, visible house numbers can add a contemporary touch, while ornate designs can suit more traditional homes. Similarly, mailboxes should be both practical and stylish, complementing the home’s exterior.
• Door hardware. Door knobs, knockers, and handles are small but noticeable. Upgrading these can instantly elevate the entrance. Choose hardware that stands out against your door color for a pop of contrast.
• Window treatments. The right window treatments, such as shutters or flower boxes, can add charm and character. They should harmonize with the home’s color and style. Flower boxes, in particular, offer a way to incorporate greenery and color.

How Real Estate Agents Can Effectively Market Properties with Strong Curb Appeal

Good curb appeal sets the stage for what’s inside and can make a property stand out in listings and advertisements.

Start by taking high-quality photos of the exterior, capturing its best features. This could include a well-kept garden, a charming front porch, or a unique doorway. These images should give potential buyers a sense of welcome and intrigue, making them eager to see more.

When creating digital brochures or online listings, it’s smart to use these photos effectively. You can merge different PDF files or images to highlight the curb appeal. For example, include a photo of the whole front of the house, then add close-ups of special features like an elegant doorway or a beautiful garden. 

But remember, while the curb appeal is important, it shouldn’t overshadow the rest of the property. Balance your brochure by showing the attractive exterior and then leading into the interior spaces, creating a complete picture of the home.

In your marketing, consider using social media and real estate websites to reach a wider audience. Posts with attractive images of your property’s curb appeal can draw attention and spark interest. 

Conclusion

In a world where buyers often make decisions based on their emotions, tapping into the power of curb appeal can be the difference between a quick sale and a property that lingers on the market.

Focusing on these four areas discussed above can help you significantly enhance the curb appeal of a property, making it not only more attractive but also potentially increasing its market value. 

But that is not the only thing that will help you sell more houses. You need to offer your clients more value so they are eager to close the deal with you. One way to do that is to partner with an Embrace Loan Officer so you can assure the client that their financing is in good hands.