5 Top Maryland Realtors on Creating Curb Appeal

Curb Appeal Tips from Real Estate Agents

When selling your home, there are certain things that aren’t all that much work, but go a long way in making an impact to prospective buyers. One of those things is curb appeal.

Think about it…

When you pull up to a house, what’s the first thing you notice?

The outside of it, right?

The way it looks as you walk up to it.

The bushes, the trees, the cleanliness (or lack thereof) of any and all aspects of the home’s exterior…

First impressions matter, and that’s why we want to share with you some tips for creating curb appeal.

And who better to share some insider information than experts in real estate who do this all day every day?

So, let’s get started…

Here are 5 Top Maryland real estate agents, weighing in on the topic of curb appeal:

A homeowner can increase the curb appeal of their home by making everything on the exterior of their home look first class! A freshly cut lawn, fresh mulch in their gardens, fresh flowers, a power washed home, freshly painted front door, a fresh black coat on their driveway are all items that can be completed for a fairly cheap cost but will pay a dividend when buyers stop in to see their home! Money is made for a seller when a buyer drives up to a home and already starts to fall in love before they walk through the front door!

Gorgeous, Freshly-Cut Lawn

Gorgeous, Freshly-Cut Lawn

Malcolm Lawson Realtor

Malcolm Lawson of The Lawson Group

Landscaping can be a cost-effective way to quickly improve your home’s curb appeal. For some this may mean trimming back overgrown bushes and trees to show off more of your home while for others, it may mean planting bushes and flowers in an otherwise empty scene. For bushes, I like evergreens like Junipers or Boxwoods because they stay green all year round and are easy to maintain. For a touch of color, potted flower gardens are a growing trend. They are easy to maintain, can sit on your stoop or porch and the pot itself can add a bit of character. For further embellishments, you can add a border made from brick or stone or solar lights to show off you beautiful landscape even at night.

Solar Landscape Lighting

Solar Landscape Lighting – image credit

Curb Appeal is far more important then some tend to think. While the interior features of your home are very important, often times, people don’t get to see them due to the exteriors turnoffs.So how do you maximize your homes selling potential with exterior updates?

First, focus on color, a fresh coat of exterior paint on your siding, painting your door, painting your homes window trims, all these can make your house pop. If you’re on a budget, maybe just paint your door and window trims, rent a power washer and power wash your siding.

From there, work your way from door to curb. Ensure your home shows texture and layers. Different levels, using height, design and color of foliage all help to achieve a multi-tiered look. Ultimately drawing people closer to your home.

Next stay manicured. Remember that all the work you did to make your home look great isn’t going to last if you don’t keep it manicured. So maintain your homes exterior beauty.

Best of all, the National Association of Realtors says that exterior landscape provides a 100% return on investment upon selling! So “dig” in!

Freshly-Painted Home

Freshly-Painted Home – image credit

Curb appeal is very important when selling a home. Many buyers can take one glimpse at a home and decide whether or not they want to see the inside based on outside appearance. Many home renovators will immaculately redesign the interior of a home and do minimal work to the outside. As agents, we have found that the outside of a home is just as important as the inside when selling a house. Siding is one of the most important features when it comes to curb appeal. Siding not only protects a home during harsh weather conditions, but it gives a home the character it needs to stand out.

Want to make a small change in a big way? Painting the front door works wonders to adding curb appeal while also saving a few dollars. Red, green and yellow doors are all colors that give bold looks to a home. Customized doors also add a nice touch of individuality to homes that look similar, like townhouses or row homes. If you have a Homeowners Association, contact them to see if a customized door works for you. Lastly, house number plaques or also known as “floating house numbers,” add tons of curb appeal to a home. Who would think small house numbers add curb appeal???…… Surprisingly they do!! It’s an inexpensive way to spice up the look of a home and add a modern touch.

beige completed siding

Immaculate Siding by Crown Remodeling

Ken Goodin Realtor

Ken Goodin of Exit Flagship Realty

First impressions are important. It sets the tone for everything to come. A homes curb appeal is its first impression. The front yard of a house is the introduction to your home. It is the first thing anyone will see whether they are just passing by, or being invited inside. When thinking of increasing your home’s curb appeal, there are a few key items that will set your home apart from others. Green freshly mowed grass is the foundation that any great lawn is built on.

This should be consistently maintained. Bright, colorful flowers will always be appealing to the eye and are important to the layout of any front lawn. A home’s curb appeal is dependent on its cleanliness and neatness before anything else. When it comes to the conceptual aspects of increasing curb appeal, the owner should make their presence felt. Constructing your lawn’s aesthetic can be fun, and doing so may add personal flair, attraction, and value.

Colorful Landscaping

Colorful Landscaping

So, there you have it.

Super-helpful curb appeal tips from the people who know this stuff like it’s their job.

Because, well…

It is!

What are some of your favorite tips for curb appeal? Let us know in the comments!

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