Whether you’re thinking of selling your home now or in the future, curb appeal is an important consideration. When done right, it can help your home sell quickly and for the right price.
The Importance of Exterior Home Improvements
If you’re not convinced, consider this: Approximately 71 percent of prospective buyers say that curb appeal is a strong deciding factor when buying a home. Their first interaction with a home is paramount.
“People often say that you never get a second chance to make a first impression, and that couldn’t be more true for curb appeal in real estate,” says Tyler Smith, CEO of real estate company SkySlope. “The minute that for-sale sign goes up, your listing is under scrutiny by more than just potential homebuyers. Agents, neighbors and the casual passersby will all have an opinion.”
He goes on to discuss how the exterior of the home impacts the way potential buyers perceive the inside. “The curb appeal reflects the buyers’ impressions of the inside of the home. They might not even want to go inside if the front of the house looks unappealing.”
In other words, selling a house for a great price requires excellent curb appeal. When you can leave a solid impression on homebuyers from the beginning, your home value rises as a direct result.
Home Exterior Improvements Can Add Hundreds of Thousands to the Asking Price
It’s hard to put an exact amount on how much exterior improvements can increase the value of your priority. It depends on the market, the size of the property, and the updates. In some cases, the return might be 150 percent, while in others it might be closer to 90 percent.
John Gidding, host of the HGTV show Curb Appeal reported that big changes to your home’s curb appeal can yield unbelievably high ROI.
“I have always heard the number 150 percent, but to me that is conservative.” Gidding explained to the Washington Post when discussing just how much landscaping and exterior home improvements can add to your property values. “On a ‘Curb Appeal’ project, I put in $20,000 and the sellers got $200,000 more than they had paid for the house just a year prior. The return was astonishing.”
He explains that not everyone will receive returns of this magnitude, but he promises that investing adequately can bring amazing returns to your property. “It depends on if you are investing your money well,” he says.
Six Smart Exterior Home Investments for Higher Property Values
If you’re looking to sell your home at any point in the future, it’s worth it to make some exterior updates now. Here are some of the wisest investments you can make:
1. Install Fiber Cement Siding
When it comes to upscale remodeling projects, James Hardie Fiber Cement siding reports the highest return on investment. You’ll get at least 85 percent of your initial investment back in higher property values, which is higher than bathroom renovations, kitchen remodels, and window replacements.
When you install James Hardie siding, you’ll not only experience heightened property values but also the following benefits:
- Longer-lasting color that resists fading, chipping, and cracking
- Lower insurance costs
- A 30-year, non-prorated warranty
- The appearance of wood without rotting or other negative side effects
- Protection from fire and weather
- Resistance to pest infestations
2. Update the Landscaping
Removing clutter from the yard, mowing the lawn, growing flowers and plants, installing an outdoor living area, introducing hardscaping, and improving the lighting in your yard all contribute to a 100 percent average return on investment.
In many situations, the return is much higher. You’ll spend between $3500 and $10,000 on landscaping, and get back thousands or even hundreds of thousands when you sell the home.
3. Get New Front and Garage Doors
These are minor improvements that will only cost you a couple thousand dollars, all of which you’ll get back in higher property values. A new front door has an average return of 102 percent.
A new door means a lot of things for your home. To start, it improves the aesthetic appeal. Together, the front and garage doors can make up about 50 percent of the front of your house, and an updated look will give that “wow” factor buyers crave when touring houses.
Additionally, new doors offer more protection. About 34 percent of burglars enter your home through the front door, and the garage door is a second favorite entry point. By replacing these entities with updated models, you can better secure your home.
Last but not least, new doors increase energy efficiency. A brand new, energy efficient door can save you about 10 percent on your energy bills.
4. Add a Privacy Fence
Homeowners often look for a fenced-in backyard. This increases security and privacy, improving overall quality of living. The average cost of this investment is about $2,500, and you’ll receive a full 100 percent return on this investment, if not more.
For best results, install a wood or stone fence that’s between four and nine feet tall. They’re more expensive to install but they provide superior resale value because they’re more secure.
5. Paint Your Siding
If your siding still has some life left, you can simply paint the exterior. It’s important to note, though, that you should always have a professional paint your siding for you. They’ll perform the job professionally, avoiding things like drips and inconsistent coats. This will cost about $2,000 and you’ll get around a 90 percent return on investment.
Rather than choosing your favorite color, think about what’s most inviting for the neighborhood and prospective buyers. Warm and inviting colors like taupe, off-white, gray, and putty are popular options. You’ll have an easier time selling the home if it’s a neutral color everyone can agree on.
6. Install Outdoor Shutters
Exterior shutters make a beautiful, timeless addition to any home, and they have many benefits. On average, you’ll pay less than $100 for each pair of shutters installed, and you’ll receive about 85 to 90 percent ROI.
Shutters offer privacy and added security from intruders. They’re also energy efficient and protect your windows from weather and damage. They can trap both heat and cold inside the house, lowering your utility bills.
Contact John McCarter Construction for Your Exterior Home Improvements and Repairs Today!
We have decades of experience and are dedicated to providing 100 percent satisfaction with your home improvements and repairs. We know that certain exterior improvements can significantly raise your home value and your quality of living, and we’re excited to be part of that.
To request a free quote or speak with one of our friendly, professional staff members, contact us today!
