This summer, a beautiful home exterior can help you enjoy your property to the fullest. While the idea of having an outdoor oasis may be enough to motivate you to perform improvements, doing so could also boost your home’s value when it comes time to sell. Of course, not all upgrades are created equal. The trick is knowing which ones are most likely to boost your returns.
If you’re thinking of performing some outdoor home improvements, here are a few with the power to impress buyers…
Touch up your paint
Painting is one of the simplest ways to refresh your home’s exterior—and win over buyers when they come calling. Whether your siding needs a new coat or your trim could use a touch-up, you’re looking at a low-cost job that you can finish over the weekend.
Of course, paint can do more than just restore your home to its former glory. It can also help your property make a stronger first impression. A great way to do that is by painting your front door an eye-catching hue. Midnight blue or vermillion is sure to stand out from the street—and stay in the minds of potential buyers.
Replace your siding
If your home is looking a little worse for wear, your siding could be to blame. Replacing it may seem like one of those annoying tasks that nobody will ever notice, but that’s simply not true.
According to Remodeling Magazine, new vinyl siding offers a return of 74.7 percent. Fiber-cement is an even better option—one that will allow you to recoup 77.6 percent of your costs. While new siding may not be the most glamourous upgrade, you can’t argue with results!
Consider your landscaping
Think of the most beautiful homes you’ve ever seen. Chances are, trees, greenery, and flowers were somewhere in sight—and they were probably laid out to make a stellar first impression.
From shrubs to flower beds to planters, landscaping can make your home look a lot more pulled together. It can also increase your property’s value by an impressive 20 per cent!
Don’t know where to start? You may want to consider contacting a landscape architect. If that’s not in your budget, take a step back and look for areas that could use some improvement—then head to the local gardening store for advice.
Care for your lawn
The potential return on a healthy lawn is significant. Along with looking vibrant, it tells buyers that you’ve invested in caring for your home. Unfortunately, achieving that impossibly-green hue can be a challenge for even the most skilled gardener.
As summer approaches, there are a few basic rules of thumb to remember. Don’t mow your grass too short, and don’t water it too late in the day (since extra moisture may not have time to evaporate). Use a slow-release fertilizer at regular intervals, and be as proactive as possible when it comes to weeds!
Focus on lighting
Light acts as a beacon, welcoming visitors to your home once the sun goes down. It can also make your property feel safer—and reduce the likelihood of accidents. It’s no wonder that many buyers look at exterior lighting when they’re home hunting.
To make your home shine, consider your lighting needs. Do you want to highlight certain aspects of your landscape design? Are you planning to illuminate a full path to your home, or simply invest in some porch lights? From there, you’ll want to consider factors such as bulb brightness, along with the type of fixtures that will best complement your property.
Performing a few outdoor home improvements can do more than boost your own personal enjoyment. Choose your upgrades wisely, and you could get more interest from buyers when you’re ready to sell—not to mention a higher return.
Interested in selling your home? If you’re thinking about making a move, get in touch to learn how we can help you through the process!
