When making improvements to sell your house, the outside of a home is just as important as the interior. The front entryway is often the first thing a buyer sees and if it appears neat and tidy, he or she will believe the property is well-maintained. Take steps to improve curb appeal before putting your home on the market.

Paint the Front Door to Improve Curb Appeal

Painting the front door is an inexpensive way to improve curb appeal. To draw attention to the home, use an accent color that complements the style of the property. If you have dark siding, choose a bright color to make the door stand out. If the house is lighter, use a bold shade.

You do not have to remove the door to paint it. Spread out a few drop cloths to protect the floor and use blue painter’s tape to mask the hinges, doorknob, and hardware on the door. To prep the surface, lightly sand it with fine-grit sandpaper to help the new paint adhere. Wash the door to remove dust. When it is completely dry, apply a primer to cover the original paint. After the primer dries, you’re ready to apply the new color.

Front Porch

Take time to make improvements to the front porch. Replace a worn-out doormat with a new one. If there are chairs or tables in the area, make sure they are clean and in good condition. To make the porch feel more welcoming, put fresh flowers or a small potted plant on the table and add seat cushions that accent the door’s new color. Even small touches make the front porch cozy, inviting, and more attractive to potential buyers.

The Street View

Look at your property from the direction the buyer will approach. Remove any clutter from the yard and sweep the walkways. If the mailbox has seen better days, paint it or replace it. Add flowers around the mailbox post. The house numbers should be neat and visible so the house is easy to find.

Improve Curb Appeal with Landscaping

A lush green lawn and tidy trees and shrubs will improve curb appeal. Start preparing your grass in advance by fertilizing it and filling in bare spots. Trim shrubs away from the house and prune tree branches away from the roof. Add mulch to the flower beds. When it’s time to show the house, keep the lawn neat and trimmed.

Aarrow Home Inspections offers home inspections to the Triangle Area of North Carolina. Contact us to schedule our services.