Essential Curb Appeal Improvements to Make Before Selling

Time is money when it comes to real estate. Every day that a home sits on the market carries with it a mounting cost. Whether it be security and maintenance or opportunity costs of having to devote ongoing time and energy to a property that won’t sell, homeowners shoot to have their property sold in under 60 days. 

To facilitate these efforts, one of the best strategies for helping a home sell quickly is by boosting curb appeal. Stunning exteriors that immediately arrest attention are sure to get more people taking an extended look. With this in mind, keep reading as we explore some of the most essential curb appeal improvements to make before selling a home. 

Spruce Up the Concrete Surfaces

Concrete is one of the world’s most ubiquitous building materials. It is used all around a home’s exterior, from walkways to raised flower beds. While concrete provides a clean, finished aspect to a property, it is a bit porous. This can lead to staining which detracts from curb appeal.

Many homeowners may be wondering what to use to clean concrete patio, driveway, and sidewalk surfaces. Well, like most things in life, the best bet is to squelch the problem before it ever starts. Seal the concrete surfaces ahead of the wet season to limit porosity. Immediately clean any spills before they have a chance to set in. Regularly sweep concrete surfaces, as moldering soil and leaves can become problematic. 

In the event that a stain has already formed, look for high-quality degreasers and oil stain removers that get to the heart of the stain for easier removal. 

Replace the Roof

Too many homeowners take an “out of sight, out of mind” approach when it comes to the roof. However, to onlookers, the roof will be one of the first aspects of the home that comes under assessment. A quality roof ties the home together and gives people the peace of mind that the house is well-protected from whatever forces nature may introduce. Metal, slate, and composite shingles are some of the most trending products that can maintain stunning aesthetics with little ongoing intervention required by the homeowner. 

Install Pergolas with Outdoor Hangouts

One of the keys of curb appeal is creating an ambiance in which passersby can visualize themselves. Whether it be a quaint patio with adroitly placed directional fans or a sprawling outdoor kitchen equipped with the latest accessories, the home’s exterior should be a place toward which people naturally gravitate. 

One of the best ways to accomplish this is by adding a pergola to key outdoor hangouts. Pergolas provide crucial shading and weather protection that can make decks, patios, and firepits accessible in all types of conditions. 

Furthermore, they provide a key element of architectural intrigue that ties together exterior spaces. Many pergolas come in easy-to-assemble kits that can be erected in less than a day, making them a high-impact renovation that does not drag on indefinitely. 

Apply a Fresh Coat of Paint

A home’s siding is one of the most crucial aspects of making a house feel like a home. Whether it be a clean white Victorian or cozy red Cape Cod, the home’s design concept is tied together via stunning cladding. 

As such, it is crucial to paint wood planks and seal masonry surfaces at least every other year. If this feels like too much of a commitment, upgrading to inorganic fiber cement or steel log siding is an effective way for ensuring the aesthetics of the cladding with minimal ongoing maintenance. 

Choose Low Maintenance Flooring

Flooring is an essential component of a usable exterior space. Nobody wants to be standing ankles-deep in mud or weeds to access the picnic area. Therefore, it is crucial to choose outdoor flooring that can withstand heavy foot traffic while also promoting optimal drainage and weather resistance. 

In this regard, many homeowners compare porcelain vs concrete pavers when looking to floor their patios or outdoor kitchens. While these products do have some impressive benefits, a more innovative option lies in the form of composite pavers. Lightweight, easy to work with, and coming with the highest fire, impact, and moisture resistance on the market, composite pavers can be manufactured in a wide array of designs to tie together the curb appeal of any property. 

Replace Dilapidated Deck Boards

A deck addition is a first-step project for many homeowners looking to boost curb appeal and create functional exterior space. Unfortunately, a bustling deck often becomes more of a concept than a reality. 

Whether it be inadequate shading or dried and splintered deck boards, too many decks sit severely underutilized, serving as little more than exterior storage space for junk that cannot come indoors. Do not allow this type of eyesore to befall your deck. As mentioned, a pergola is a great way to quickly add some shade while boosting the deck’s visual intrigue. 

Also look into how to use self drilling screws to quickly and conveniently replace old deck boards with modern composite options that can better withstand moisture and UV exposure. 

Sell Your Home Quickly with These Essential Curb Appeal Upgrades

Boosting curb appeal is one of the best ways to help a property sell quickly after listing. From sprucing up concrete surfaces to modernizing outdated decking materials, consider any of the exterior renovation ideas listed above to create truly impactful curb appeal. For more of the latest trends in Southern California real estate, explore the resources at Jones Realty Group for the leading insights in the industry!

Author Bio:

Lisa Thompkins is a freelance writer living in Dallas, Texas. She works closely in the Home Improvement and Restoration fields and has a background in Real Estate. When not writing, Lisa enjoys spending her time traveling and seeing the world. Lisa’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisor, a construction industry resource site.