Home buyers are looking for modern features in houses, like energy-saving technology, open-concept kitchen and dining area, and a security system. But apart from interior features, curb appeal is still a crucial factor in improving your property’s value.
Your exterior acts as the hook that persuades buyers to check the inside, so make sure that you make a good impression. You can start by sprucing up these three features.
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Front Door
The front door is the focal point of your home. A replacement is in order if your old door is rotting, which usually starts appearing at the door jamb. Other signs of wear and tear are flaking paint, soft wood, scratches, and small chips on the corners. An aesthetically pleasing door can entice potential buyers to come inside and check out the rest of the house.
A cheap way to boost your door’s appeal is to paint it a solid color. An analysis by the real estate website Zillow revealed that painting your door black or charcoal gray can increase the home price by $6,271. But use a light color or the rest of your house, if you’re going to paint your door black.
Upgrading your door isn’t just about aesthetics. Check the sides of your door if there are surrounding gaps where air can pass through. These spaces can take a toll on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and increase utility bills, which can be a turn-off for your buyers.
You can fix this when you replace your door since door installers test for infiltration and insulation values. This is why when you replace the door, you have to change the threshold and jamb as well to make sure everything is properly fitted.
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Driveway
A driveway is an attractive home feature in itself, especially in locations where parking spaces are scarce. Having an off-street parking space at home can help the owner protect their car better, compared to parking on the side of the street.
The purpose of a driveway leans more toward function instead of aesthetic, but it can still decrease your property value if it’s not in top condition. First, patch and repair the asphalt paving and apply a new coat of sealer. Spread a fresh layer of gravel on your pathways.
You also want to make sure that your driveway has proper drainage, especially if it doesn’t have a slope. A trench drain can prevent standing water by leading it to a catch basin or directly to the pipes.
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Windows
Just like your doors, the windows also have a significant role to play in your home’s energy efficiency. Old, rickety windows can let in draft, affect the HVAC systems, and raise your energy bills. The glass on outdated windows also promotes convection, which means the warmth from the air passes through the panes.
Start by swapping your single-pane windows with double-pane models. These help trap the warm air inside the house and prevent it from leaking. The U.S. Department of Energy says that you’ll be able to save $126 to $465 per year by replacing single-pane windows, which can be an attractive feature for potential buyers.
These upgrades are just a few of the improvements you can do to boost your curb appeal. Invest in home staging to enhance your property value further. Lastly, don’t forget to check the current health of the housing market before putting your house on sale.
