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When you think of curb appeal, you probably picture a beautiful home with lush landscaping and fresh paint on the outside. However, curb appeal is much more than that. It’s your home’s first impression on visitors, potential buyers, and real estate agents. That’s why it’s so important to have excellent curb appeal if you plan on selling your home or renting it out in the near future.

Your home’s curb appeal can make or break its value and potential as a rental property or when trying to sell it. A home with poor curb appeal won’t sell for as much money as one with excellent curb appeal. Follow these tips to give your home that added boost of attractiveness that will increase its value and make it much more appealing to possible renters or buyers.

Keep the Exterior Areas Well-Maintained

When you maintain the exterior areas of your home, you make it much more attractive to potential buyers. Areas like the roof, gutters, downspouts, foundation, exterior walls, and any decks or porches attached to the house should be in good condition.

If you have trees or shrubs growing near the house, ensure they don’t pose a threat. Cut back branches that are too close to the house, remove any that are dead or diseased, and plant shrubs and trees that won’t grow too large and pose a threat to the house or foundation.

Make sure you keep grass and weeds under control. Fix cracks in walkways, steps, porches, patios, and driveways. Repair any damage. Make sure yard drainage is clear and working correctly. Make sure clutter is removed from the outside of the house. Put away any tools and lawn equipment that is left outside.

Plant More Shrubs and Flowers

When you plant more shrubs and flowers near the house, it not only adds to the property’s beauty but also increases the value. This is especially true when you plant shrubs and flowers native to the area.

Plant them where they have enough space to grow and thrive. This can be done by landscaping with raised flower and shrub beds or by adding borders along the front of the house.

Also, consider adding more trees. This will add beauty, shade, and an extra line of protection from noise and pollution. Make sure to choose trees suited to your area’s soil type, water availability, and climate.

Repaint the Front Door and Trim

The front door and the trim around the door can often show a lot of wear and tear, especially in coastal areas. If the existing paint is in bad condition, repainting it can make a massive difference in the home’s appearance.

Use a neutral paint color that will go with any home style. Avoid bright, bold colors, and stick with something more neutral. Be sure to use quality paint that is designed for exterior use.

Add New Light Fixtures

 If your home or apartments for rent in Boston has old light fixtures, replacing them with newer, more attractive ones is a good idea. They don’t have to be expensive. You can often find a wide selection of inexpensive light fixtures at your local hardware store.

You can also check out garage sales, thrift stores, and online websites to find good, inexpensive light fixtures. Ensure they are compatible with the type of electric system used in the home.

You can also add solar lights in the front yard or a small fountain or rock garden in the front of the home. These are inexpensive additions, but they can make a big difference in the appearance of your home.

Fix Up the Walkway and Driveway

If the walkway and driveway are in bad shape, it’s a good idea to repair them. You can learn how to do this yourself or hire a contractor to do the work for you. If you decide to do it yourself, use quality materials. You can buy materials for walkways and driveways at any home improvement store.

If your home is next to a busy road, this is something you will want to do as soon as possible. Make sure to seal cracks in the driveway. If the driveway is made of asphalt, you can apply a sealer to protect it from the elements. Apply the sealer on a warm day so it will dry properly.

Conclusion

Your home’s curb appeal is essential, but it’s not something that happens in a day. It takes time, effort, and money. You can’t expect your home to look its best overnight, but with some hard work, you’ll be able to improve its curb appeal and make it more attractive.

Follow the tips in this article to improve the appearance of your home. You’ll be happy you did because you’ll be more likely to have interested buyers or renters, and you’ll be able to sell your home for a higher price.