Sell a House Faster with Curb Appeal Ideas

Find Inspiration on How to Make a Home Look Great from the Outside

Oct 7, 2008

Curb appeal is important when selling a home. The view from the street makes the first impression on perspective buyers. Where can one get ideas and inspiration?

The phrase “curb appeal” refers to a home’s appearance from the front outside. No matter how gorgeous a home may be on the inside, buyers may drive by quickly and rule out a home due to an unappealing exterior.

GE Money on Buzzwire online (May 2008) reports that, among other exterior improvements, landscaping can increase a home’s value by 15 percent. So curb appeal may mean more money and a faster sale for sellers. They say “Today’s economic environment and slow housing market may cause many homeowners to question whether improving their home is a wise choice? According to studies spanning decades, the answer is a resounding yes – especially when it comes to outdoor remodeling,”

Watching TV for Tips to Improve Home Curb Appeal

The HGTV cable network show Curb Appeal is a great resource for helping homeowners find inspirational ideas. If watching the show on television is not possible, the HGTV website has a terrific Curb Appeal section including complete Curb Appeal episodes to view online.

According to the HGTV website, “Curb Appeal will help you look at your home with a fresh eye and offers up tips for turning great ideas into reality. Each episode features a real house and homeowner with guest experts who discuss the owner's needs and propose projects to improve the home's appearance.”

Curb Appeal is packed with amazing transformations of dull home exteriors. By the end of each remodel, owners can hardly believe the improved appearance (and value) of their homes. If only the team from Curb Appeal could come to everyone’s home with a huge crew and fix up ailing paint jobs, landscaping, and lackluster entryways!

Unfortunately, the average homeowners must take on these jobs themselves or with hired help. However, in the long run, improved curb appeal may be the thing that sells a home in a challenging and competitive market.

Finding Home Improvement Projects in Magazines and Books

Magazines and books are other good places to get inspiration. Many are available at the library. Especially good magazines for curb appeal project ideas are fall, spring and summer issues of Better Homes and Gardens, Country Living, and Good Housekeeping. Winter is a good time for planning.

Discovering Curb Appeal Ideas in the Community

Driving to look at other houses can be very helpful. Those living in a tract home may be able find the exact same model of home to view.

Friends, family, or real estate professionals may have impartial ideas on how to improve the curb appeal of a house. Owners used to looking at the front of their own house may be baffled and stuck for ideas. Different eyes may offer fresh perspectives.

Keeping Track of Curb Appeal Ideas

Keeping a notebook of clippings, photocopies, drawings, and pictures may be helpful. Themes and preference patterns may begin to emerge and ideas can be remembered and duplicated at one’s own house.

Ideas found online may be bookmarked or saved into computer files for reference. Many landscaping service and home improvement websites have unique photographs of finished projects.

Taking “before” photographs helps owners to see the home exterior in a new light. Taking “after” photos is good for keeping up moral and the will to keep working in a tough selling market.

Any improvement to the front of the home can be a boost to homeowners and add interest for potential home buyers.

Resources

The copyright of the article Sell a House Faster with Curb Appeal Ideas in Home Curb Appeal is owned by Janienne Jennrich. Permission to republish Sell a House Faster with Curb Appeal Ideas in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.