- Increase curb appeal to add value and speed up resale time.
- Research relevant plants for landscaping; use mulch, prune regularly, and water efficiently.
- Paint/stain exterior walls and roof with weather-resistant coating; inspect gutters regularly.
- Invest in security measures to protect buyers’ safety and create a feeling of comfort.
- Transform outdoor area into an attractive asset with potential buyers lined up.
Maintaining the exterior aesthetics of a home is crucial for many reasons. Firstly, it increases the home’s curb appeal – that is, its attractiveness to viewers from the street. Not only can this add value to the property, but it can also make a huge difference in how quickly the house sells and how much it sells for.
Studies have shown that a beautiful outdoor area can add up to 5% or more to a home’s resale value. Furthermore, homes with higher curb appeal tend to sell quicker than those without. According to one study, houses with good outdoor charm spend an average of only 15 days on the market compared to homes without any landscaping, spending an average of 31 days on the market.
However, you might not know how to maintain the exterior aesthetics of your home. Luckily, there are some simple steps you can take to get your outdoor area looking its best.
Focus on Landscaping
Landscaping is one of the most important components of exterior aesthetics. It can greatly affect a property’s overall look, feel, and value. Therefore, it’s essential to maintain regular maintenance to ensure it looks its best. Here are a few tips for improving your landscaping
Plant Appropriate Trees and Shrubs
Choosing suitable trees and shrubs for your area is essential in maintaining landscaping. Research which plants grow best in your climate so they don’t require excessive care or attention.
Use Natural Mulch
Mulch helps to retain moisture, control weeds, and insulate soil temperatures, all of which help to keep your plants healthy and vibrant. Natural mulches like wood chips or bark are great options because they decompose over time, adding extra nutrients to the soil.
Prune Regularly
Regular pruning is essential for maintaining healthy trees and shrubs; prune any dead branches or leaves as soon as possible so they don’t spread disease throughout other plants. Additionally, remove invasive growth from nearby properties, as this can cause damage to surrounding plants.
Watering
Properly watering your landscaping is another fundamental part of exterior aesthetics; use a hose or sprinkler system to ensure that all of your landscape receives enough water without causing damage or erosion due to flooding. Additionally, avoid watering during the hottest hours of the day to reduce evaporation rates and conserve water resources.
Protect the Walls and Roof
It’s also essential to protect your walls and roof from the elements. When painting or staining, use a weather-resistant coating that protects against rain, heat, snow, and other inclement weather conditions. Exterior siding usually needs to be replaced every 10-15 years, so check your condition periodically and repair any damage.
Additionally, inspect your gutters regularly for any damage or debris blocking water flow; if clogged, clean them immediately to prevent water leakage. Rain gutter services will also be essential for waterproofing your home. Rainwater can cause damage and erosion if not correctly managed; gutters divert water from the house, keeping your walls, foundation, and roof safe from potential water damage.
Ensure Security
An attractive curb appeal can attract attention, but you might also attract the wrong kind of attention. Security is an essential component of good curb appeal, as it helps to create a sense of safety and comfort for potential buyers. Not only can this help to increase the value and the number of interested buyers, but it can also make the entire experience much more pleasant.
Real estate agents often advise home sellers to invest in security upgrades before listing their homes. This includes installing motion-sensor lights or adding doorbell cameras to monitor activity near the property. Even minor improvements, such as fixing broken locks or trimming back shrubs and trees, can help ensure the home is secure.
Investing in security measures not only protects potential buyers when they are viewing the property; it also helps deter criminals from breaking into the home. Burglars usually prefer homes with inadequate security systems, so taking proactive steps to secure your property will make it less likely to be targeted by criminals.
In addition, having a secure home helps create a feeling of safety and comfort for potential buyers. This can play a huge role in assisting them in deciding whether to purchase the property. A buyer’s decision may come down to how safe they feel when viewing the house – and if they feel safe enough, they’ll be more likely to make an offer on the property.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining a home’s exterior aesthetics is essential for increasing its curb appeal and resale value. You can take several steps to improve your landscaping, protect the walls and roof, and ensure security. With some planning and dedication, you can transform your outdoor area into an attractive asset with potential buyers lining up to purchase your property.
