The definition of curb appeal is pretty straight forward: the attractiveness of a property (typically for sale) and its surroundings when viewed from the street.
Curb appeal can be accomplished in many ways.
Homeowners can keep their lawn short and aesthetically pleasing. They can make sure their mulch beds are edged and re-mulched annually. Front doors and shutters can be painted every few years. And while the list goes on, something that is often overlooked is the roof of your home!
When it comes to curb appeal, the biggest factor after your front door the meets the eye is… your home’s roof!
Believe it or not, a clean, new-looking, and sometimes updated roof adds a ton of curb appeal (and a great ROI). Today, we will look to answer the “What is curb appeal question,” and ways to improve it!
First Things First, What is Curb Appeal?
Curb appeal refers to the appearance of a home from – you guessed it – the curb.
More importantly, it’s the first impression someone gets by viewing your home from the street.
Is it eclectic? Modern? Classic?
There are quite a few factors that can affect your curb appeal, from your roofing to your color palette of choice.
When it comes down to it, you want the first impression of your home to be a positive one – and a lasting one. Every aspect of your home’s exterior should be well-designed and maintained to impress neighbors, family, and any prospective buyers, either now or in the future.
As previously stated, the condition of your home, the landscaping, the roof, the gutters, all of this matters.
Why Does Curb Appeal Matter?
So, now you know what curb appeal really means, but why is it important?
\Making the exterior of your home eye-catching and well-groomed is a great way to beautify your neighborhood and encourage others to upkeep the aesthetic standards that have been set.
Beyond that, standing out from other homes in your neighborhood just the right amount gives you a competitive edge in a seller’s market.
While there are a lot of different factors when it comes to the listing price of your home, curb appeal is definitely going to be one of those factors. Think of the outside of your home as the hook that will pull people in to learn more about the interior and other features of your home.
How Can You Up Your Curb Appeal?
Start with the basics.
Cutting your grass, fertilizing so weeds are gone, and giving your landscaping a trim/mulch will add some instant curb appeal in a matter of minutes.
Simple ideas to quickly add curb appeal:
- Move trash cans from front of home
- Cut grass and fertilize it
- Get aeration in the fall
- Plant some new flowers
- Trim your trees and bushes
- Pick up any junk laying around
Next, we suggest evaluating the exterior of your home itself.
- Is your siding stained or out-dated?
- Does your roof need new shingles?
- What about the quality of your windows?
Plan out a color scheme for your roof and siding and maybe even install an updated front door to really capture attention.
Basically, you should be asking yourself if your home is creating a cohesive story from just a glance. Not only will these basics help bring a vision together for your home, but getting new roofing and windows is a great way to keep your home maintained if you aren’t quite ready to sell.
Whether you’re interested in transforming your house into your dream home or your planning on selling before the new school year starts in the fall, putting some time and effort in the details of the exterior of your home will make a huge difference.
Focusing on curb appeal can take your home to the next level.
Curb Appeal in Northern Virginia
The Northern Virginia real estate market never goes into hibernation. And while the market stays hot almost year-round, curb appeal still matters.
You have probably seen a house that has no occupants and it’s quite amazing how fast that house falls apart and gives the appearance of not being maintained.
For those looking to relocate or sell, you’ve probably heard the term curb appeal in your recent research, but it’s not just reserved for those in the market to move.
Curb appeal can certainly make a big impact when it comes to selling your home, but it can also affect the ambiance of a neighborhood and, simply put, the overall value of your home, whether you’re interested in selling now, or later down the line.
Keeping property values high isn’t too hard in NOVA, but it helps when you care for the exterior of your home. This includes keeping up with seasonal maintenance, preparing your home for winter, keeping up with landscaping, and checking the condition of your roof annually.
If you have any exterior remodeling projects that go beyond the scope of landscaping – like a roof replacement or new gutters, let the professionals at Top Dog Home Pro inspect your exterior to give you the best input!
