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HOW TOIMPROVE YOUR HOME’S

CURB APPEALEXPERT TIPS FOR MAKING YOUR HOME’S EXTERIOR

THE VERY BEST IT CAN BE

If you’re preparing to sell your house, you might have had the thought that now is not the ideal time to host potential buyers. However, even if buyers can’t physically see the inside, they can still admire the outside. An upgrade to your home’s exterior will incite curiosity as to what lies within.

This is what’s called “curb appeal.”

Social distancing doesn’t mean you can’t still spend time outdoors and working on your home’s exterior is a great way to pass the time constructively. You’ll be nailing two birds with one stone: making your exterior ready for sale, and getting yourself some fresh air too.

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So, how can you jazz up the outside of your home while social distancing?We’re glad you asked! There are lots of easy ways to beautify your house. Here are just a few:

PRESSURE WASH EVERYTHING

GREEN WITH ENVY

Sometimes, all you really need is a good scrub. If the wood on your porch or steps is looking a bit grubby, why not get to work with a power washer? Same goes for your dingy concrete and paving stones, or your faded vinyl siding. You can get a good-quality pressure washer from Walmart for around $200, although the prices vary widely depending on size and amount of pressure. Pressure washing can give you amazing results without having to spring for expensive replacements or refurbishments.

A bit of color and greenery can go a long way towards enhancing your home’s exterior. If you have lawn space and front beds, keeping your front yard tidy and well-maintained will make

your property look inviting and well-cared-for. If you don’t have a lawn, flora is still your friend. Hanging baskets and planters are perfect for houses with limited square footage. Window boxes will frame and brighten your window space and invite eyes to look inside. A little herb garden off the kitchen, perhaps?

If your garden is blooming, but you still want that extra oomph, add a few inches of dark topsoil or mulch. It will provide some nice contrast to the blooms, and make your vegetation look healthy, rich, and vibrant. If you start early enough, you can even grow your flowers and herbs from seeds inside your house, then replant them outside when they sprout. Either way, these garden activities are sure to make you feel good, look great, and get you out into the sunshine.

WHAT’S IN A NUMBER?The numbers on your house aren’t necessarily just for function. Dress up your facade with a brand new sign, or if you’re happy with the one you already have, just spritz it up a bit. Take those numbers down, clean them off, and give them a good polish to get them shining like new. If you decide to go for something entirely different, think about the look of your house. You want your numbers to complement the style of your home. Stick to something minimal and modern if you have a contemporary home, or homey and rustic if you have a ranch-style house.

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DECORATIVE TOUCHESFinish off your exterior look with some fun new porch decor. Think comfy seating with patterned cushions, a hanging porch swing, a new welcome mat, a mailbox, or creative outdoor storage solutions. You want your selections to appear welcoming and friendly, and it should reflect an atmosphere that is lived-in but stylish.

Ramp up your home sale preparations by giving your exterior a bit of TLC. Stay safe by ordering your materials online, then spend some time in the great outdoors while you freshen up your house.

LIGHT UP YOUR LIFE

BUILDING PROJECTWhat better way to get outside while improving your home than with a DIY project? If you’re a beginner, start with something simple like a window box or planter. If you’re more advanced, try an outdoor table or bench. If you have the equipment already, just buy some lumber, exterior screws, and nails from Home Depot. Finish it off with a swipe of paint, and you’re ready to go. Save money, feel good about your contribution, and maybe even learn a new skill.

Shed some light on the situation with some additional light sources. You can replace the fixtures on your front porch or add new entry lights altogether. Try placing solar-powered stake lights along the edge of your garden bed or walking path. Think outside the box with a few well-placed battery powered lanterns or candles. Hang up strings of fairy lights along the front porch or in your shrubs. Whatever kind of lighting you choose, it’s bound to make a statement.

For more tips on how to improve your home’s curb appeal, check out this video from Diamond Richardson, REX’s Business Strategy and Operations Manager.

PAINT PARTYYou can spice up any part of your house with a fresh coat of paint, but the star attraction of almost any home is a newly-painted front door. Find your perfect color and get to work giving your exterior a fresh paint job. You can also give your window and door trim a facelift with a new coat of paint. Fresh, bright colors will attract the eyes of potential buyers, so you want to make sure to highlight your home’s best assets.