Curb appeal is the first thing buyers will notice when driving up to your home so you want to make sure it looks its best.

There are countless ways to improve the curb appeal of your home without spending thousands of dollars and I’ve put together a few ideas below to help you out: 

Create a Front Porch Seating Area

Nothing says comfort and home like seeing a rocking chair or swing on the front porch.

Buyers want to envision themselves living in your home and by adding a seat on the front porch, buyers will be able to picture themselves sitting here while enjoying their morning coffee.

Cost estimate: $0 - $500 

New House Numbers

New house numbers are an excellent and affordable way to boost curb appeal because it’s something buyers will look for when trying to find the listing.

Installing stylish house numbers also shows that you pay attention to detail, which can only boost their confidence.

Estimated cost: $20 – $75

Paint or Stain the Front Door

Bringing some attention to your front door will appeal to the majority of buyers.

Traditionally doors have been painted darker colours, try experimenting with a brighter colour to draw attention and appear more inviting.

Estimated cost: $50 – $100

Update the Exterior Lighting

Updating the exterior lighting with modern fixtures will improve not only the look of your home but the safety.

Buyers want to feel safe and secure when envisioning themselves in their new home.

Estimated cost: $150 - $500

Power Wash Driveway and Walkways

Removing the built-up dirt and grime that collects with time is a great way to improve your curb appeal.

Buyers will notice how well kept your home is and appreciate that you’ve taken such great care of it.

This also appeals to buyers as they will know there’s less work for them in the future.

Estimated cost: $50 – $350

Repaint or Restain the Porch

Similar to repainting or restaining your front door, this will improve the look of the front of your home greatly and appeal to all buyers.

Choose your colours carefully to ensure they bring out the best in your home and appeal to the masses.

A fresh coat of paint will also hide any imperfections in the wood.

Estimated cost:$50 – $200

Upgrade the Hardware

Replacing cheap door knockers or door handles is another fun way to make a great first impression.

Since the hardware is the focal point of most doors, cheap hardware can make even the nicest door look ugly.

Estimated cost:$75 – $250

Have the Roof Cleaned

Since we don’t spend much time up there, it’s easy to forget about, but having your roof professionally cleaned to remove moss and any other debris will improve the look of your home greatly!

This is a job for the professionals though, we don’t recommend cleaning your roof without the proper safety gear and procedures in place.

Estimated cost: $200 - $500

Remember, you only have one chance to make a first impression!

Making sure your home’s curb appeal looks great will increase the value of your home, appeal to the masses, and improve your chances of getting an offer quickly! 

We are always honest with you about your transaction, but there are a few things that some agents hold back from their clients. 

Let’s cut right to the chase and talk about them…

Selling Your Home Requires Cash

Selling your home will have some out-of-pocket expenses, it’s not just money in the bank.

As a seller, you may find yourself paying costs such as; curb appeal improvements, minor updates/painting, professional cleaning, closing fees, and of course, moving expenses. 

Buying a Home also Requires Cash

Your mortgage will not cover everything, unfortunately.

On top of a hefty deposit, you’ll be required to pay costs such as; closing fees, inspection, appraisal, insurance, utilities, moving expenses, and more.

A savvy buyer will have an additional small percentage (1-2%) of their home’s purchase price in cash savings to cover these expenses. 

Every Home Needs Staging

Unless you are a professional home stager by trade, your home requires some form of staging.

There’s a very big difference between having your home decorated to live in and decorated to sell.

Commonly used furnishing and décor strategies that are designed to maximize space and flow serve to give potential buyers a better window into what it would be like to have their stuff in the home.

Do Not Change your Spending/Financial Habits after Mortgage Approval

Once you’ve been approved for a mortgage be aware that it is approved based on your current financial situation.

The worst thing a buyer can do between approval and purchase is changing their financial situation. Moving the needle (in the wrong direction) on the debt-to-income ratio by doing major credit card shopping, getting a small personal loan, or even buying a vehicle can completely tank your mortgage funding.

Home Ownership Isn’t for Everyone

Being a homeowner is a lot of responsibility, and it’s not everyone’s cup of tea.

As a homeowner, you’ll no longer have a landlord to call for upkeep, regular maintenance, improvements, or when something in the home breaks…this will all fall on your shoulders.

You’ll also need to prepare yourself for the additional bills that you may not be aware of, such as; property taxes, insurance, garbage, water, internet, cable, electricity, and more.

The fact of the matter is that some buyers simply aren’t aware of what is included with homeownership and the costs associated. 

Read Every Single Word of Any Contract You Sign

Always read any contract you are signing!

If there is anything you’re unsure about, ask your agent to explain it to you thoroughly.

As an Agent, it is our fiduciary duty to put your best interests front and center, and that includes ensuring you know what you have a clear understanding of what you’re signing. 

Having the right agent on your side will make the home buying or selling process much easier and less worrisome.

They will discuss all the positives and negatives that you may come across throughout the transaction and how they plan to overcome them.

At JP Real Estate, we pride ourselves on being upfront, honest, and transparent with all our clients. We are here to make your transaction as seamless as possible and be of value to you throughout all stages of the process.