Want to Improve Curb Appeal? Don't Forget These 3 Important Features

by Tina Broyles, DRE 01009212 & NMLS 91630 05/02/2021

Image by F. Muhammad from Pixabay

When it comes to improving the exterior of your home, it might be hard to know where to start. Many small details combine to create a home’s first impression and affect potential resale value. With so many different features potentially needing an upgrade, there are some that might not seem obvious at first but can make a big difference in curb appeal. Some of these projects may also be dismissed as too difficult or expensive to take on. Luckily, there are many options for upgrading and refreshing these important features that won’t take all of your time or go over budget.

Here are some commonly overlooked exterior features to consider in your upgrade:

Garage Door

Don’t forget your garage. The space inside can serve many different purposes (or remain unused and unfinished) but the outside of the garage will always matter when it comes to curb appeal. Depending on the style and layout of your home, there’s a good chance your garage door accounts for a significant percentage of the frontal view. It’s simple to make this space work in your favor and improve the overall look of your home by either painting or replacing the door. Bold accent colors are a popular choice for garage doors, as are doors constructed of natural wood. Consider upgrading to a door with large windows to add depth and a modern feel. Even a fresh coat of paint in the existing color can work wonders for a first impression. An added bonus: there are more advanced technology options and accesibility features available now compared to what may have come standard with your home build.

Windows

Windows are another key feature often overlooked when refurbishing an exterior. A thorough cleaning will make sure windows look their best from the outside, as will simple touch ups to frames or other fixtures. If you aren’t going to replace the windows entirely, consider painting the outside frames to add visual appeal. If you have wooden window frames, keep them looking and working their best with a new surface treatment. For larger projects, consider increasing the size or changing the shapes of your windows. You can also add accent shutters to add charm and transform the entire look of the window. Use the overall style and aesthetics of the home as a guide to keep it cohesive, and you will increase your curb appeal and benefit the home value. No matter the style choice, opt for modern, energy-efficient windows to add major value to your home as well as save you money on heating and cooling.

Stairs and Walkways

Make sure to consider the journey to your front door. While the front porch is an obvious exterior feature to update, stairs or walkways connecting it are often overlooked. Safety is key: ensure that concrete and stone are free of cracks or chips that could be tripping hazards. For wooden stairs, check for mold or other damage that could affect both the appearance and the stability of the surface. If your path or walkway crosses through a lawn or other vegetation, carefully prune the edges of weeds and overgrowth. Add low-wattage lighting for additional safety and ambiance, or enhance the visual appeal of path edges with brick or other materials. At the very least, consider power washing the surfaces to make that journey to your door clean and inviting.

Updating your home’s exterior may seem like one large project, but it is actually multiple small projects. Because there are so many details to consider, some projects can be easily forgotten despite how much they can improve your curb appeal. Make sure not to forget your garage door, windows, stairs and walkways when planning your exterior upgrades.

About the Author
Author

Tina Broyles, DRE 01009212 & NMLS 91630

HELLO.... Im a California Bay Area Resident serving the Real Estate community since 1987!

I serve people with professionalism, knowledge and care and my business has grown to almost 100% referred as a result.

Happily married with two grown children and two beautiful granddaughters, Audrina & Chesney! 

I love to golf, exercise, Bible study & serve the Homeless weekly in Milpitas.

I support our businesses and our community.

I'm well known and respected by my peers in our community. Voted Best of Milpitas every year since 2000-2020 until we relocated to San Jose in 2020

One of the compliments we consistently hear is how responsive we are to our client’s needs. That is so important to us!

I'd be honored to get to know you and your family and put my real estate experience to work for you!

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My Team represents a diverse array of skills and provides the perfect balance of experience and professionalism working in the Bay area. Our technology capability is beyond expectation!

CAL BRE #01009212#01009212 NMLS #2441#2441