If you are a fan of home renovation shows, you may have heard the phrase “curb appeal” more than a few times. But what is curb appeal, and why is it important? Curb appeal, put simply, is a measure of how attractive your house looks from the outside. Does your home stand out from others on the block, and does it do so in a good way? If your house has curb appeal, then the answer is yes.
Curb appeal is made up of everything outside your home, from the state of your lawn and garden to the color of the walls, and other little details, like fences and shutters. It’s easy to forget about all of these features in your day to day home maintenance and living, but they are essential when you begin thinking about selling your home. In this short post, read more about why curb appeal matters and why it is so important when putting your home up on the market.
The Importance Of Curb Appeal
Appearances matter when it comes to making a good first impression at a job interview, and the same is true for a house. When people look at the front of your home, they will immediately form an impression, not only about the house, but about the people who live there, too. It is important to put your best foot forward to demonstrate your values, personality, and lifestyle, and to create a welcoming atmosphere. Neighbors and passersby looking at your home might conjure up images playing on the lush lawn or relaxing afternoons on the porch if you maintain your property well, leaving them with a positive impression of you and your home.
Curb appeal is also important in more concrete ways. With a beautiful front, your home’s property value will likely increase. A run down or badly landscaped home is likely not going to attract many buyers, unless they are specifically looking for a fixer upper or teardown house. A well maintained home, meanwhile, instantly generates positive interest, makes your home more attractive and can lead to a higher sale price.
Curb Appeal When Selling Your Home
When it comes time to sell your home, your home’s curb appeal is especially important. Many home listings, such as the flyers that are often posted in real estate agents’ office windows, only contain one picture: the front of the house. By ensuring that your home is in the best shape possible, you instantly grab the attention of potential buyers with a single snapshot. Low curb appeal, in contrast, can be an instant turnoff to buyers who know there are better options available elsewhere.
Showing The Uniqueness Of Your Home
Showing that your house is unique amongst all of the others on the market is critical, particularly if it is one of several options available in the same price range. Buyers might be particularly enamored with your garden, siding, or other details that they would likely have to install themselves if they chose a different house instead of your’s. By adding or maintaining these thoughtful details yourself, you save the buyer the effort, and position your house as an ideal choice.
Eludes To How The Inside Looks
A beautiful exterior also sends a message about the home’s interior, as well. If your home looks like it is in good condition from the outside, buyers are likely to assume that the home is in just as good condition on the inside. This means that they will often expect to have less work to do to fix up the house, if they choose to put in an offer to buy it. With a smaller financial commitment and to-do list attached to it, your home will be in higher demand.
Justifies The Price
Finally, curb appeal makes your house seem worth the price. A house that lacks curb appeal but is priced correctly will not necessarily feel like it is worth it, while an identical house that looks more beautiful likely will. Buyers will be quick to notice any problems with the house or perceived deficiencies, particularly when making such a large investment, so demonstrating that the house is worth every penny is a smart move that can encourage a greater number of higher offers.
Working With A Virginia Beach Real Estate Agent
Speak to Katie Zarpas Group for more information about curb appeal and to schedule an initial meeting with a real estate agent. Katie Zarpas specializes in homes in the Virginia Beach area and can help you prepare your home for a fast and lucrative sale.
She has been recognized by industry peers for her expertise and sales abilities, and has received several awards for her excellence in real estate. See how she can help you achieve a more successful sale this year by contacting her office today by calling 757.685.4400 or scheduling an appointment online.