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Don’t underestimate the power of strong curb appeal—a good-looking, well-maintained exterior can increase your home’s value by as much as 7 percent, according to one real estate study from the University of Texas at Arlington. But researchers say go ahead and double that number during a slow seller’s market.
A well-maintained exterior not only makes the property more inviting but also signals to buyers that the home has been well-cared for, says Cindy Morrison, a Tulsa, Oklahoma Realtor.
“Curb appeal has always been one of the most critical first impressions a home makes on potential buyers—it’s that ‘love at first sight’ moment,” she says.
Conversely, if your home lacks curb appeal, you risk deterring serious buyers, which can lead to lowball offers and prolong the time your home spends on the market. This ultimately gives buyers more negotiating power, explains Cristal Clarke, a realtor in Montecito, California. Unfortunately, your neighbor’s poor curb appeal can also negatively impact your property’s value as well.
Ahead, real estate agents share the biggest curb appeal mistakes that could be lowering your property value and making it harder to sell your home.
1. Overgrown Landscaping
Unkempt lawns, overgrown trees, and neglected gardens send a message of poor maintenance to buyers, Clarke says. She recommends getting your yard in tip-top shape by removing any dead plants, trimming trees, and refreshing garden beds with colorful flowers or fresh mulch. Creating a manicured, lush outdoor environment is key to attracting discerning buyers, she says.
Also, if you have overgrown bushes that are hiding your house, it may be time to replace them with greenery that shows off the home versus concealing it, says Cara Ameer, a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Realty.
2. Lack of Landscaping
A bare yard with minimal greenery can make the property feel stark and uninviting, especially when it comes to high-value homes where landscaping is considered an extension of the home’s design, Clarke explains.
Adding trees, shrubs, or flower gardens can soften the home’s appearance and make it feel more welcoming.
You can also consider adding low-maintenance plants to make the yard feel manageable for potential buyers, says Bonnie Stein, an associate real estate broker in Westchester County, New York.
3. Peeling Paint or a Faded Exterior
Peeling paint or a faded exterior diminishes the home’s aesthetic and makes it appear neglected, Clarke says. Painting the exterior of your home is an expensive endeavor, and if you do go this route, it’s good to know which paint colors can help sell your home for more money.
If you don’t want to make that significant of an investment (especially if you’re not sure the colors will resonate with the buyers), Clarke recommends at least repainting the front door, shutters, or siding. These smaller projects can dramatically improve the home’s curb appeal and make it feel fresh.
4. Outdated Address Numbers or Mailbox
The address number on your home is super important for curb appeal because those are the numbers that potential buyers will be focused on first when they’re trying to find your home for an open house or a showing. If the address numbers are outdated or chipping, replacing them with fresh numbers that match your home’s architectural style is an easy way to amp up your curb appeal, Ameer says.
Likewise, if your mailbox is old, rusted, or is starting to lean, you should replace it, Ameer says. Homeowners have all kinds of stylish mailbox options to choose from to complement their home design, ranging from modern ones that pair with planters to vintage, envelope-shaped dropboxes.
5. Political Posters
If you’re selling a home during election season, avoid any banners or candidate signs that advertise your political affiliations, Larry DeVardo, a sales associate with Coldwell Banker Realty in Hillsdale, New Jersey, says.
“In this climate, anything political will invoke emotion and you can potentially offend 50 percent of your potential buyers,” he cautions.
6. Cracked Driveways
If you’re about to list your home, it’s a good idea to give your driveway and garage a good power-washing, get rid of any weeds that have sprouted up in the cracks, and try to get rid of any oil stains on the driveway.
“Old driveways and walkways with cracks that are dirty and haven’t been pressure-washed can also contribute to a negative impression,” Ameer says. “A buyer may be put off by the driveway’s condition and not want to go any further, even if the home is totally updated inside.”
If the driveway is in poor shape, it may be time for a complete replacement or to offer a credit to the buyer so they can choose what type of driveway material they want to install.
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