In today’s very competitive real estate environment, an impression is everything. What is on the outside may have some impact on what is on the inside, and that is why curb appeal is important when selling a home. Curb appeal is the appeal of a home from the street. It encompasses anything from exterior colour and lawn to driveway and front door condition. Small, tactical improvements in curb appeal on a property can pay huge dividends on marketability and ultimately price. The psychology of curb appeal is most relevant in studying the impact it has on real estate.
The Psychology Behind Curb Appeal
Prospective buyers glance at a house for only a few seconds before they make a decision. That first impression is probably going to be an emotional one and will probably set the tone for their entire opinion of the property. A clean-looking exterior suggests that the property itself has been well maintained, as well, giving a positive slant even before entering the property. A dirty-looking outside will have them speculating on how the inside would appear and just how well-maintained the property is being treated.
Financial Impact of Curb Appeal
Curb appeal investment can also pay off. Houses with pleasing curb appeal are sold 7% more than similar houses having an ugly facade, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Pretty-exterior houses sell fast as well. This might be useful for a market glut where houses are competing against each other.
Key Elements of Curb Appeal
Landscaping: The state of a home’s landscaping will be the initial impression that prospective customers will get. Well-manicured grass, flowers, and trees can be a home’s best friend. Weeds or vacant lots, however, can be a home’s worst foe. Simple landscaping strokes, like mulch, trimming bushes, and flowers, can be a giant difference.
Siding and Exterior Paint: Exterior paint or siding colour and condition are important. A house can be refurbished by painting or adding new siding, and it will appear new and well-cared for. Neutral colors are popular with individuals, and bursts of bright colour add personality and character.
Roofing: The roof is literally the most visible component of a home’s curb appeal. A good roof signals to the homebuyer that the house is properly maintained, while an old roof can be a turn-off to prospective homebuyers. Regular maintenance and repairs must be performed. Adding a new roof in certain cases will be an excellent curb appeal and value booster.
Windows and Doors: Replacing the windows and doors can have a big curb-appeal value. New energy-efficient windows are both an aesthetically pleasing sight as well as functional gains, and these can be used as a marketing advantage. The front door, which is essentially the face window of a property, should be welcoming and in reasonable condition. A fresh paint on the existing door or new door can offer a good initial impression.
Walkways and Driveway: Walkways and driveways can either make or break a property’s look. Dusty and cracked surfaces will take away from the curb appeal of an otherwise beautiful home. Sealing driveways, sealing cracks, and maintaining walkways clean and debris-free might make a wonderful first impression.
Lighting: Proper lighting can accentuate the best aspects of a home and add to safety. Highly attractive outdoor lighting, strategically placed, can be a warm welcome. Lighting on sidewalks, accenting landscaping features, and entrance lighting can all add to the character of a property.
Simple Upgrades with Big Impact
Mailbox Makeover: Replacing a dirty, outdated mailbox with a new, appealing one is a simple, inexpensive method of providing curb appeal.
House Numbers: Updating house numbers to a new, more striking design can contribute to the curb appeal of the house and facilitate finding the house.
Flower Boxes: Having flower boxes on windows or railings will introduce color and a touch of sophistication.
Seasonal Decoration: Well-executed seasonal decoration can give a house a clean and inviting appearance.
Power Washing: Power washing the outside surfaces such as siding, driveways, and walkways can provide a home with a clean and well-maintained look.
Conclusion
Curb appeal is perhaps the most important aspect of the real estate industry since it makes the initial impression on potential buyers. Cheaper, yet not negligible, exterior makeovers may greatly contribute to the exterior appearance of a home and result in quicker sale and improved profits. For homeowners who plan to sell, an investment in curb appeal is a wise decision with great payoffs. Real estate agents have to be working overtime to get people to understand how important curb appeal is, guiding them through the steps to make homes as welcoming as possible from the initial moment they are seen from the street.
