Maybe we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but when it comes to selling your home, it’s all about the CURB APPEAL! Nearly 90% of home buyers begin their search by swiping left or right on the houses that outwardly appeal most to them.
Viewing a home for sale is not unlike a blind date. Imagine your blind date arrives with uncombed hair, clothing askew, etc. They may be the brightest, funniest, most kind person in the world, but their first impression was poor, so you may or may not want to get to know them better. Similarly, your home could have the newest appliances, updated fixtures, and complete remodel on the inside, however, if the exterior is covered with chipped paint, dented siding, and a brown patchy lawn, the buyer will pass and not bother looking inside.
Curb appeal is what drives home sales and has direct impact on your appreciation. How can you improve visual appearance and attract buyers? Read on to find out what sells.
Curb Appeal Starts at the Front Door
One of the most surprising and cheapest way to increase your home’s value is simply painting your front door. According to Zillow, homes with charcoal or smoky/jet black doors sell for $6,271 more than expected. Why does the color of the front door have so much influence on your value? Let’s say you drive through a neighborhood and see a beautiful white house with black trim, but the front door is painted a hideous orangey color you don’t like. Suddenly the house is no longer beautiful; all you can see is that ugly orange door. The exterior of the home is ruined in your mind. On the other hand, in terms of front door colors, black rarely clashes with the exterior of the house, which appeals to many people.
If black is not your color, here are some other possibilities:
- Choose a color based on where you live
- Choose a color based on the architecture and history of your home
- Choose a color based on the neighborhood palette
- For broadest appeal, do not choose a color that would appeal only to a “niche” market would consider
Deciding on a Siding Color
Siding is a vital component of your home’s structure. Siding protects your home from the elements and keeps it well-insulated. The siding is the barrier between your indoor living space and the outside elements (harsh weather, insects, extreme temperatures). However, the choices you make about your siding affect your home’s overall curb appeal. The color you choose for your siding can impact your home value. Whether you choose the color through your actual siding or opt to paint your exterior, the colors that sell are:
- Greige–According to Zillow’s data analysis, a neutral color that combines gray and beige can add value to your home. It’s enough of a “blank canvas” color, in the gray, while maintaining flair through the beige or taupe.
- White-It provides the home with a clean look and offers the buyer an opportunity to accent it with other hues. White goes with everything and it’s a classic.
- Gray-The beauty of choosing gray is that you can pick any tone of gray, light/dark/in between. Gray compliments any color and is a neutral with a little personality.
Whatever siding or paint color you choose, Pro-Home Services offers quality brands with a variety of colors: James Hardie, LP Smartside, Alside, and Mastic. If you opt to replace or paint your siding to boost your curb appeal, just make sure that it’s in good shape.
Curb Appeal From the Top
Also, don’t underestimate the impact of your roof on curb appeal. When you step into the street and look at your house, you see anywhere from one third to one half of the size of your home covered in the shingle color of your choice. According to Owens Corning (one of our favorite shingle brands), 91% percent of consumers and 87% of real estate professionals agree that a coordinating roof color (rather than a bold contrasting color) increases a home’s curb appeal and value.
If you want to get them through the front door, start with your front door and work around the exterior of the house. Pro-Home Services is here to offer sellers options, and we can replace or repair your siding and doors and help guide you through all the exterior home improvements you need to boost your curb appeal. Give Pro-Home Services a call and we can assist you with improvements that will make a difference for you when you go to sell. Call for an estimate at (630)790-0800.
