How Does Curb Appeal Impact Home Prices?

First impressions matter. That’s true for dinner parties, job interviews, and first dates. But it’s also true for selling a home.

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Thinking about it like this: The exterior of your house draws people in and shapes the buyer’s vision of their life in that home.

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And it’s the little touches that go a long way. A well-maintained yard, vibrant flowers, and a clean driveway can instantly communicate that your home is loved, cared for, and move-in ready. Or the chipping paint, uncared-for yard, and dingy windows could send them running away.

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Sprucing up your curb appeal boosts the perceived worth of your home. When buyers see a neat and attractive exterior, they’re more likely to think the inside will be in equally good shape. Good curb appeal can turn casual browsers into serious contenders.

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And, don’t forget that appraisers and inspectors also take note of curb appeal. If the exterior looks shabby, it can negatively affect their evaluations—which might translate to lower appraisals when determining your home’s worth.

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Here are a few tips regarding curb appeal as a home seller.

Financial Impact of Curb Appeal on Home Values

Yes, favorable curb appeal increases home worth, but you might be surprised by how much. Research suggests that enhancing your home’s curb appeal can increase its value by an average of 7%. To put it another way: If you sell a home valued at $300,000, that 7% boost means an additional $21,000 in your pocket. Now, that’s a healthy return on investment for a few coats of paint and landscaping!

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What about strong housing markets versus weak housing markets? In either case, curb appeal is essential.

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In weaker markets, buyers tend to be more discerning, causing them to overlook properties in less-than-stellar condition. Do you know which houses get the most attention? That’s right—the houses that look attractive from the outside.

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In hot housing markets with lots of competition, curb appeal establishes a memorable experience with potential buyers. Additionally, homes in well-kept neighborhoods typically fetch higher prices. So, if everyone’s home looks good from the outside, you could financially benefit from the neighborhood’s good vibes.

How to Enhance Curb Appeal for Your Home

Now that we’ve covered the basics, you might wonder how to improve your home’s curb. If your home needs major renovations—like new roofing or deck repair—that should come first. Prospective home buyers know that if those things require repairs, they’ll be footing the bill, which may impact their decision to bid. 

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However, there are other simple ways to uplift your home’s curb appeal without breaking the bank:

1. Lawn Maintenance: Regular mowing, edging, and weed removal can signal to buyers that your home is well cared for. Consider freshening up your mulch or adding colorful flowers to brighten your yard.
2. Painting the Front Door: A freshly painted door can set the tone for your entire home. It’s a relatively inexpensive yet effective way to make a strong visual statement.
3. Landscape Upgrades: Adding plants, shrubs, or decorative stones can enhance any front yard. Create defined areas within your garden to increase visual interest and make the space more inviting.
4. Outdoor Lighting: Adding lights to the porch, garden, and drive can make a home feel more inviting. Even if potential buyers are only touring the place during the day, your agent can point out these features in person or include nighttime photos on your listing.

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When you identify these areas for improvement, you’ll likely find that potential buyers respond positively, as curb appeal directly impacts whether they perceive your home as worth the asking price.

How Reverified Assesses Curb Appeal for Fair Deal Home Prices

In the age of data and algorithms, you might think home pricing is all about numbers. Most Automated Valuation Models (AVMs) focus solely on data points, neglecting crucial visual factors like curb appeal. That’s where Reverified stands out.

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Reverified employs human home pricing experts who can assess elements a computer simply can’t understand. They know that curb appeal increases home prices, and they make sure it gets taken into account. These experts offer a more accurate and in-depth valuation compared to traditional data-driven methods, ensuring that you have a fair and well-rounded assessment of your home.

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By blending technology with human insight, Reverified guarantees that your home pricing reflects its true market potential, factoring in the essential aspect of curb appeal. This comprehensive approach ensures you are not leaving money on the table, especially when potential buyers are consciously evaluating the exterior of your home against its asking price.

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All in all, investing time and effort into enhancing your home’s curb appeal can significantly affect your selling experience. You now know that curb appeal boosts home prices.

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It’s a fundamental aspect that shapes buyers’ perceptions right from the start. So, whether through simple lawn care or strategic painting, making these improvements can lead to a rewarding sale, both financially and emotionally.

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Order your Fair Deal Zone report from Reverified today!

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