How To Add Curb Appeal On A Budget

First impressions never have a second chance, so when it comes to curb appeal, making your home as attractive as possible is highly important. But maybe you're asking yourself, what is "curb appeal" and how can I improve mine without breaking the bank? We've got those answers and more below! 

Curb appeal is all about highlighting your property's outdoor space and making it appealing to anyone that pulls up or drives by your home for the first time.  Did you know that oftentimes, especially in this hot Hampton Roads real estate market, potential buyers will often drive by a home before requesting an official showing from their Realtor? Even more, 87% of homeowners say that they relied on photos when house hunting, and 99% of Realtors say that they believe curb appeal is important when trying to attract a buyer. If buyers can't envision themselves immediately living and enjoying a home, the "showing" could stop there, before you even have the chance to show off the interior! Whether or not you are in the market to sell your home, taking the time to improve your home's curb appeal could pay off in a major way in the future. 

Here are 10 ways to improve curb appeal on your home on a budget:

1. Paint the Front Door 

A fresh coat on your front door will do wonders to your first impression. Plus, front door colors can be easily changed for future updates or new homeowners. Get creative and try a bold color like black, crimson red, or deep navy blue! 

2. Add Flower Pots 

Adding a few colorful flower pots on your front steps or porch can offer a welcoming environment for passersby or guests. Be sure to choose flowers or plants that will tolerate your environment and location by reading tags and carefully choosing plants that can live in partial, full sun, or no sun/shade environments. If your gardening isn't your thing, consider placing faux shrubs into baskets or flower pots for a lasting impression. 

3. Update House Numbers 

People look at your address more than you think. Putting new numbers with the more modern wood or metal design will add a touch to your curb appeal. 

4. Add a Welcoming Mat 

Doormats are essential for keeping your floors clean and reminding people to wipe their feet off before entering the house. They can be paired up with a rug to add a layer of decoration and can be changed out seasonally for a fresh, new look for minimal cost. 

5. Hang a Wreath 

A wreath is a simple way to personalize your entry door, whether it is placed on your door or beside it. Consider visiting local fairs, gift shops or even browsing Etsy to find the perfect one for your front door AND support a small business while you're at it! 

6. Spread New Mulch 

Mulch adds depth, beauty, and dimension to any landscape. It gives your lawn a manicured look, adds vibrant colors, and is a fairly easy project you can knock out on a sunny Saturday afternoon. Mulch also reduces weed germination, watering needs, and also beneficial nutrients into the soil.

7. Install a Porch Light 

When buying new exterior light fixtures, consider the style of your home and the functionality of the lights.  Look for outdoor lights that adequately illuminate your entryway while adding a fresh update to your exterior. 

8. Landscape

Having a smooth transition between the street and your front steps can easily be done with a few inexpensive landscaping ideas. A curved path that is illuminated with solar lights invites your company towards the door and can be very pleasing to the eyes.

9. Power Wash the Driveway and Walkways 

Blasting of the grime from the concrete can be instantly gratifying but can add curb appeal very quickly. Consider working this into your outdoor Spring cleaning checklist, and followed by doing it once more in the Fall before the winter weather sets in. 

10. Trim Your Shrubs 

Believe it or not, the most common curb appeal turn-off, but an easy fix, is simply to give those tall and window-obscuring bushes and shrubs a nice trim. Not only will it instantly improve your curb appeal, but if the shrubs are blocking windows, trimming them will allow natural light to fill your space. 

Whether you have a large budget or just enough for paint, creativity and thoughtfulness can increase your home's curb appeal. Even if you aren't in the market to sell your home, these easy curb appeal ideas will make your house a more beautiful, welcoming place to call home.