How to Achieve Ultimate Curb Appeal

by Ann Hayward 05/26/2019

Everyone loves to admire those homes with excellent curb appeal as they drive into a street. When you want to sell a home, curb appeal is one factor that plays a significant role in attracting a buyer. If the curb appeal is excellent, then attracted buyers are inclined to see what is inside the home. 

Curb appeal also has other roles to play in a home. If you are not listing or selling, then curb appeal is equally important to have a beautiful exterior you can be proud of and that makes your neighborhood attractive to other buyers. Here are some easy ways you might accomplish curb appeal for your home.

Paint the front door

Sometimes, adding a splash of color to the exterior is a simple step. Paint the front door with a bold or bright color that guarantees it stands out and is impossible to ignore. Also, make sure that the color you pick, matches the rest of the house. This way everything looks creatively beautiful and organized.

Invest in the landscape

The landscaping around your home defeats your efforts to achieve good curb appeal if not taken care of. Invest in some fully-grown trees, and pretty plants or shrubs. These contribute to a green landscape that makes any home look unique, eco-friendly, and homey. 

Don't forget the roof

When making efforts to achieve curb appeal, you may let the things at your eye level carry you away. It's easy to forget the roof, but that is a mistake you want to avoid. Check the roof of the home for any repairs, replacements, cleaning, or maintenance needed. The roof matters more than you know, so be sure to keep it in good condition.

Landscape lighting

Outdoor lighting —sometimes referred to as landscape lighting—involves light fixtures that highlight your landscaping are suitable for outdoor use. Landscape lighting serves as security, a source of illumination, and a great curb appeal in the evenings. 

Colorful plants

You can improve the exterior appearance of your home by planting a few cheerful plants. Avoid artificial flowers because they scream fake, and do more damage than good. However, make certain that the plants you choose can grow favorably for a few months. Having dead plants outside the home will do nothing good for curb appeal.

Try these easy tips to enhance your home's curb appeal and receive compliments from the neighbors or make a quick sale. For more curb appeal techniques, talk to your real estate professional.

About the Author
Author

Ann Hayward

Born in Philadelphia and raised in the suburbs, Ann Hayward got her Pennsylvania real estate license at age 18 even before going to college. This second-generation real estate professional followed in the footsteps of her father and two uncles, inheriting their passion for the business. Licensed in DC, Maryland and Virginia, Ann is accomplished in her career, with numerous designations including SFR, SRES, PSA, WHC, and multiunit Housing Development Finance Professional (HDFP) from the National Development Council. She specializes in Prince Georges and Montgomery Counties, Northern Virginia and Washington, DC, all jurisdictions where Ann has lived and knows very well. In addition to her professional expertise, she owns and manages personal investment property, understands and has been involved in the renovation/remodeling process, and has great resources which she shares with clients. When you hire Ann to represent you, she will make your buying or selling experience an enjoyable, rewarding one. Her compassion, sensitivity to her clients’ needs, eye for detail, and ability to see the big picture when guiding you through a purchase or sale are unique assets that will ensure your success. A diverse and relevant background also gives Ann a distinct edge. For 30 years, she worked in fast-paced, high-pressure television and theatrical production, attaining the highest achievement – DGA membership as a Director, and as an award-winning staff and freelance writer. Her keen audio visual skills and design sense benefit sellers in marketing their properties, and are invaluable in helping buyers see the potential of space. A true renaissance woman, Ann was also an income tax professional and office manager for H&R Block, so she thoroughly understands the tax and financial implications of acquiring and selling real estate. Her superior organizational skills are further evidenced as owner of a downsizing/professional organizing business, Managed For You, which allows her to connect with everyone from millennials to boomers and seniors, whether for small space planning or assisting with major decluttering and transitioning. Ann holds an AB in American History from Simmons College, Boston, plus attended Robert Wagner Graduate School of Public Administration where she was a candidate for Doctorate. She additionally studied Film Direction at the American Film Institute in LA, and was a Stanford University post-graduate Professional Journalism Fellow. Personally, Ann is an avid if not very good golfer, and the co-founder of a nonprofit 501c3 organization offering educational guidance, tutoring and counseling for youngsters from elementary school through college admission. She sits on the board of trustees of a nonprofit educational film production corporation as well. (202) 494-6252 [email protected]