You only have one chance at a good first impression of your home to a buyer. The first time a buyer drives up to your house they will already have an emotional reaction to the home based upon the curb appeal. This means curb appeal is your secret weapon to making your home enticing right out of the gate. What are some ways you can enhance your curb appeal?
- Add mulch or bark
When updating your landscaping on your property don’t forget to lay down some fresh mulch or pine bark to the natural areas. Fresh mulch helps retain moisture and discourage weeds. Bark will help you to cover up and kill weeds and give the yard a finished feel. The mulch or bark will also promote healthier soil which will help the new homeowners long-term.
- Clean up your flower beds
A sad flower bed will not be a happy sight. Flower beds make a huge impact when it comes to improving your curb appeal. Lining the pathway to the front door with new flowers or planting them along the front exterior of the house can have a huge impact. Choose one type of flower in one or two colors for a modern and clean look. If you’re thinking more cottage or English garden, you can add variations and colors and pack tight.
Take the time to spruce up your flower beds by removing weeds and leaves. Use weed killer on the newly cleared soil. If you choose to replant the bed you can remove the existing plants to prep the soil. Make sure that your soil is free of rocks or gravel and is smooth. Add some compost to the moist soil.
If you’re choosing to redesign your flower bed, it’s a good rule of thumb to make sure it’s at least 6 feet wide and consider doing curved edges or rounded corners rather than straight or sharp edges. Line your flower beds with edging material to keep them looking nice and tidy and keep the grass from taking over. It’s easier to mow around a curved bed as well.
Add some annual color
Everyone loves a spray of fresh flowers. Seasonal flowers around the house as well as some planters added to the porch will look and smell inviting and happy. You could also add a container garden with seasonal produce and eye-popping flowers to attract the buyers’ eyes.
- Add pottery with color to the entryway
Potted plants are an easy and affordable way to enhance the front entrance. One simple way is by placing two identical pots on either side of the front door with low maintenance and easy to prune plants.
- Plant a Tree
Planting a tree is a guaranteed way to improve your curb appeal, landscaping and the environment. Make sure to choose a location that will suit the tree’s growth over the next 10-12 years.
- Prune Shrubs
Neglected shrubs are a no go. Take the time to remove any dead, damaged or sickly-looking stems. Remove any small shoots (or suckers). Keep the shrubs pruned waist-high in a uniform size and look.
- Buy a new doormat
Potential buyers will come up to your freshly painted door and look down as they cross your threshold. Don’t detract from the entrance by neglecting to update your doormat.
It only takes a few simple enhancements to transform your curb appeal and decrease your time on the market. If you need any help selecting the best plants, pots or bark, please stop on by!
