The curb appeal details that make a home look well cared for

Curb appeal is the first impression a property makes before anyone gets through the front door, and a poor one primes buyers to expect problems inside. The lawn, the front door, the roof, and the landscaping are where small and inexpensive fixes change how a house is perceived.

A recent survey for the National Association of Realtors 2023 Remodeling Impact Report said that those selling properties should work on curb appeal before listing. Curb appeal refers to the first impression you get of a property when you first pull up and step out of the car. Typically, you'll see the front of the building and the front yard.

When the lawn is in poor condition and the siding is peeling from the walls, it primes the individual viewing the house to expect further problems once they step inside. Even if the interior is beautifully put together, a buyer predisposed to look for problems will likely find them, significantly reducing the chance that they'll purchase the property.

The Curb Appeal Details Buyers Notice First

One of the most high-impact improvements you can make to enhance curb appeal is the lawn. Many homeowners looking to sell then neglect the most important part, which is the front door. The buyer stands at the property's door for at least 30 seconds while the agent unlocks it.

So when the doorbell button is old and worn, when the grass is dull and lifeless, and there are dead insects piling up inside the porch light, it leaves a negative impression. None of these things are particularly expensive or difficult to fix, so you can make quite a difference as to how the house is perceived.

The Roof and What Buyers Imagine

In a city like Phoenix, where temperatures can easily exceed 110 degrees, according to the National Weather Service in its 2024 Climate Year in Review, there's a lot of sustained heat on the asphalt shingles that make up the roof. No one wants to deal with a roof replacement. So, when someone pulls up to the property, their eyes are often drawn upwards.

If they can clearly see the damage, they start imagining the long and stressful process of getting contractors to work on the roof. If your roof isn't at the end of its life, a Phoenix AZ roof replacement service can help you repair your existing roof.

Attractive Landscaping

People often invest in new plants for the yard to try and signal ongoing home maintenance. This can sometimes have the opposite effect, especially when new plants have only been added recently. What really drives good impressions is crisp edging along the walk and drive, with gravel raked and topped up, and anything dead or touching the stucco removed.

Small Fixes, Strong Curb Appeal

Nothing on this curb appeal list involves serious renovation, and each one moves curb appeal in the right direction. Working through them before the listing photos are taken costs very little and gives buyers one less reason to hesitate.

If you found this useful, browse our other articles for more practical guides across a range of topics.

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