Weekend Warrior: 5 Projects to Boost Your Curb Appeal

Curb appeal is crucial when selling your home. A good first impression not only draws a potential buyer's interest, it may even affect what kind of offer they make on your home. There are lots of little things you can do outside that don't cost much. These improvements can add up to big changes that make your property shine. Our REALTORS® provide a few tips on how to increase your home's curb appeal in just a weekend or two.

1. Paint the Front Door
   While neutral colors are best on interior walls, a colorful front door can attract potential buyers' attention. Go for contrast—red is still one of the most popular colors and will make your house pop. When the paint's completely dry, (give it a day or two) hang a pretty wreath on the door.  If you're feeling particularly ambitious and your garage door or back entrance could use a fresh coat, consider painting them, too. While you're at it, try adding some funky (but easy to read) house numbers so people looking for Mansfield homes for sale can easily find your address.
   
   
2. Power Wash Your Home
   Washing debris and dirt off your home, deck, patio, and driveway can make a huge difference in the presentation of your property. If you do use a power washer, make sure you know how to use it. Use extra care not to spray under siding or in spots that are caulked, surrounding windows and doorways. Depending on how dirty your house is, you may be able to use a regular hose for this job. After you wash the porch, deck or patio, make sure to arrange furniture so it looks neat and attractive.
   
   
3. Clean the Windows
   Now that your home is squeaky clean, it's time to wash the windows. Remove screens and spray down the windows with a regular hose. Make sure to clean screens as well and repair or replace any with holes. Depending on the style of your home and windows, you may be able to clean the exterior of them from the inside. If you need to do it from the outside, use a long-handled brush and be cautious when using a ladder. Vinegar diluted in hot water will take off all kinds of gunk, leaving your windows sparkling clean and streak-free.
   
   
4. Manicure Your Lawn
   There's so much more to taking care of your yard than simply cutting the grass. Pulling weeds and edging the lawn gives it a manicured, professional look potential buyers will love. Trim any overgrown bushes and trees, especially those that block walkways, the driveway, and windows. Spreading mulch around trees, bushes, and plants also makes for a clean look and can help keep weeds at bay.
   
   
5. Add Some Color
   In addition to cleaning up your yard, plant some pretty annuals like impatients, petunias, and pansies to add some flair. Flowers are an affordable way to catch the eye of potential buyers. If you're selling your home in the fall, plant some red, orange and yellow mums in a few pots placed strategically by the front door or on the porch. Whether you're planting in a bed or using pots, don't be afraid to get creative. You can combine plant types, colors and sizes any way you like.

Whether you're looking for a fixer upper or you're selling and in the mood to move, our skilled real estate professionals can help. Contact us today to get started.