Let’s get visual
To grasp the many factors that make up the notion of curb appeal, Rivera tells clients to imagine the home in thirds:
Level 1 (Top): Roof, gutter system, upper decks and windows, tall trees and branches, chimneys and decorative finials
Level 2 (Middle): Porch or stoop, windows, shutters, door, entryway, lighting/fixtures, siding, arches, columns, woodwork and masonry
Level 3 (Bottom): Basic landscaping including lawn, stones/gravel, shrubbery, mulch, flowers, decorative plants and fencing
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Each of these three domains offer opportunity to improve your home’s visual impact while increasing its actual (or perceived) value. For instance, experts say a ‘standard’ lawn service recoups an estimated 267% of its cost.
Likewise, realtors have long emphasized the significance of a home’s entranceway. As prospective buyers wait for their agent to arrive, they often linger on the porch or driveway.
Anticipating scrutiny, sellers should draw eyes away from the negative (overgrown plants or piles of toys) and toward the positive (a freshly painted door or newly replaced porch light). The same goes for other areas in Levels 1 and 2.
“Power wash your driveway and walkway and your vinyl siding or brick siding,” says real estate agent Michael Lam of Queens, New York. “It will give the house a nice pop.” Designers also stress the importance of the front door. This is a project that homeowners can easily handle, as a gallon of decent paint costs around $50.
For more dramatic effect, other budget-friendly upgrades include fixing chipped paint, broken shutter slats and mold-covered chimneys. Also, clean out dirty gutters. Once the home’s permanent fixtures are washed, swept, wiped and refurbished, move on to temporary décor—a pretty wreath, cute welcome mat or seasonal display.
Together, these small alterations make a powerful statement, infusing style, personality and cohesion to your property’s otherwise ‘standard’ appearance.
Staging for setting
Beyond basic home improvements, the definition of curb appeal also changes depending on where you live. Real estate journalist Corrine Rivera factors in the home’s exact location, climate conditions, as well as the area’s architectural trends.
“The image you have of curb appeal in your head is likely different from people who live in a different region or on the opposite coast,” she says. “Cape Cod cottages line the Northeast coastline, while traditional Tudor homes span across the Midwest.”
Listing soon and considering your own landscaping project? Find your corner of the country for more inspiration.
– Northeast – Inspired by harsh winters and mild summers, homes capture a prim yet practical style. From ranches to colonial cottages to massive McMansions, safe neutrals are balanced by exciting color accents. Blue doors, bright flowers and seasonal shrubbery stand out in a crowd.
– Midwest – Spacious fence-lined yards feature tall trees, meticulously manicured lawns and seasonal flowers for a pop of color. To escape the monotony of suburbia, Brick Tudor homes and subdivisions are adorned with potted plants, wreaths and other décor in their entranceways.
– Southern – Large, stately homes embrace the classic colonial look, resting on sprawling plantation-style properties with centuries-old pillars. Winding driveways and wrap-around porches gain some personality with seasonal plants, welcome mats and other homey décor.
– Southwest – In celebration of the region’s unique style and arid climate, landscapes incorporate rock, sand and cactus plants. Homes are finished in stucco or light-colored pavers, as darker shades absorb the harsh sunlight. Popular colors include browns, oranges, reds and tans.
– Pacific Northwest – High, wet, foggy and mountainous, landscapes often feature stone, wood and other neutral finishes, allowing the region’s natural foliage to shine. Forest green, tan, white and grey are a soothing match for homes’ clean, modern lines and lush yards.
– Coastal – One-story beach bungalows and Cape Cod-style cottages exude simplicity and charm with ocean-inspired colors like white, blue and green. Minimal landscaping is complemented by pretty rocking chairs, nautical pilings, and other finishes and décor in stone, wood and teak. Close to calling your realtor?
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