The importance of curb appeal cannot be overlooked. Or overstated. “First thing a buyer sees…” We can all recite television house designers verbatim. But curb appeal often slips off a seller’s to-do list as other projects take longer and cost more than expected. Time and money run out, and curb appeal is sacrificed. Well it just so happens that many of us have some time on our hands right now (Spring 2020). Nothing cures the endless sameness of each day inside the house quite like a healthy dose of sunshine. So why not spend some extra time outside leveling up your curb appeal game this Spring?
Sanctuary Spaces
Because many of us are locked down, our front and back yards have become our sanctuary spaces. Those of us who have neglected these spaces are now acutely aware of their importance for our mental well being. For a home on the market, these exterior spaces can determine whether a buyer decides to make an offer. Because of the current shelter-in-place, now is your chance to spotlight your home’s curb appeal. Offer something special for a buyer. And if you are not in the market, you can still make these spaces special for your own enjoyment. For example:
- A reading nook on the front porch
- A front porch swing
- An outdoor dining space with room to grill
- Pops of colorful flowers to attract songbirds
- A simple herb garden or a more involved vegetable garden
- A relaxing water feature
- A place for pets to safely play and exercise
- A space where someone can work and be inspired by the outdoors
The Need for “Done” Spaces
There has been a shift in the needs of home buyers over the past handful of years. Many buyers today live busy lives. Because of their full schedules, they are not interested in working on a home like they used to be. Today’s buyers want to move in and adopt the lifestyle they envision when they walk through a home. Indoors. Outdoors. The whole package. Consequently, it has never been more important to polish a home’s rough edges as it is today. All of that hard work starts outdoors, and it underscores the importance of curb appeal.
It’s Not Just About Landscaping
Many people associate curb appeal with landscaping and hardscaping. Curb appeal is as much about the exterior features of your home as it is about your yard. Below are things to pay attention to when looking to improve your home’s curb appeal. There is no time like the present to start tackling and enjoying these upgrades.
Your Front Door
The front door has become a statement piece in recent years. It is no longer just a means of entry. When selecting a color, you may opt for shockingly vivid, or timelessly classic, or something in between. Your front door is an important opportunity to help a buyer connect with your home. It is so satisfying when touring a home to find a well-painted front door leading to a well-curated interior experience. That home feels like the whole package. One of my favorite blogs for color consultation, Kylie M. Interiors, describes various front door color options you might consider. Honestly you cannot go wrong following her suggestions.
House Fixtures
After selecting the perfect front door color, consider updating your house numbers as well as your mailbox. Creative options abound, and you do not have to break the bank. You can find both house numbers and mailboxes on Etsy. And you can search for inspiration on Pinterest or Houzz. So much of the planning and ordering can be done online while you continue to maintain physically distant.
Finally, I recommend swapping out a tired light fixture for something unique and fun. Sure, lighting is a functional necessity, but it is also an opportunity for your home to stand out. Could your walkway use some additional lighting? What about your stairs leading to the front door? If your electrician is working inside the home, consider adding a few exterior items too. These upgrades will be time and money well spent. In fact, having electrical outlets accessible outdoors has proven to be a welcome feature for buyers. Holiday lighting, Edison bulb strings, or a cell phone charging port are all benefits of thoughtfully placed exterior outlets.
Plant a Garden
Now is a great time to plant a garden. You could clear a dedicated space in your yard to grow a large vegetable or flower garden. Or you could make a smaller potted herb garden. You can provide pops of color, texture, and some great scents. Who does not enjoy a space that someone has clearly worked hard to cultivate? When others can see that you are enjoying your outdoor space, they can envision themselves doing the same. We may not all have green thumbs. But showing what is possible in a yard space opens a buyer’s eyes to possibilities.
Extend the Indoors Outdoors
What is one of the biggest draws to an outdoor space? It is extending the home’s living space without incurring the cost of building additional square footage. Outdoor spaces allow us to entertain and enjoy a meal outside. And today in 2020, they provide fresh air and sunshine while maintaining a safe distance from others.
In recent weeks, I have been working in a makeshift office space on my front porch. I participate in Zoom meetings, draft documents, and connect with my neighbors as they walk by. I have watched birds bathe in puddles. At least two squirrels have ventured up the stairs and stood up on their haunches to observe me. Why has it never occurred to me to work on the porch like this before? For sure my “summer office” will be a fixture at our home going forward.
I encourage you to explore your own space and envision how you can improve it to bring you joy. Finding new and satisfying ways to enjoy our outdoor spaces is a welcome and rewarding activity for 2020.
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Danni Duggan | Oregon Broker | Premiere Property Group, LLC | Licensed in Oregon | 503-719-2279 | danni@dannipdx.com
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