What Is Curb Appeal and Why Is It So Important?

If you pay any attention to real estate or decorating shows or magazines, you’re probably familiar with the term, ‘curb appeal.’ Real estate professionals use it often in terms of talking about the sale-ability of a home or its looks. It’s often the first thing that draws in a prospective buyer. And its lack may be what causes potential buyers to pass it up. If you’re trying to sell your home, then you need to make sure that the curb appeal is high. This might be what entices a potential buyer to schedule a visit.

Take a look at the home in the photo below.  This home definitely has curb appeal, due to a combination of multiple elements. Stick a ‘For Sale’ sign in the front yard and buyers will be lining up to take a look inside.

But curb appeal should matter to you regardless of whether you’re buying or selling a home.  First of all, the looks of the outside of your home should be something you find great satisfaction in.  When you drive up to your door, do you like what you see? Or do you immediately think about making some changes?  Does your home look dated and worn? Does it blend in with the other homes around it, or does it stand out as a star? While you can’t necessarily put a price tag on curb appeal, being satisfied with the way your home looks can be priceless.

The curb appeal of your home is very important to not only you but also those who come to your home or even just walk past it. We may say to never judge a book by its cover, but the truth is that people form first impressions based on what they see. How the exterior of your home looks could influence that a visitor thinks of those who live inside.

How to Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal

If your home’s curb appeal is a little lacking, here are some things you can do that will add to the look of your home while giving you other benefits in the process.

• Replacement Windows and Entry Doors: You can change the windows and exterior doors throughout your home to give it a fresh appeal that also helps with energy efficiency while protecting it from the outside elements. People will notice the front door first, and then the windows. You want to like what you see and you want it to be inviting.
• Updated Siding: The biggest portion of the appearance of your home’s exterior its its siding.  But siding also has a very practical purpose – protecting your home.  For the maximum in curb appeal, consider combining different siding styles and colors, or accenting a section of your home with a stone panel.  For example, the home above has a brick section that highlights the entry area and makes it stand out from the neutral siding on the rest of the home.  Your eye is basically drawn right to those front steps. And the contrasting white trim and fascia boards really highlight the structural parts of the home’s front.
• Replace Your Roof: Roofing is able to do much the same as siding. You can choose the color and style that fits with your home, the neighborhood and what you want your home to look like.
• Extra Ornamental Elements: Don’t forget those extra touches that kick the look of your home’s exterior up a few notches.  Those dark green shutters are in stark contrast to the white window frames and neutral siding, again drawing your eyes to the front of the home.  And the half-circle specialty shape windows above the front door and flanking window add a terrific style. Exterior lighting also can add a big plus to your home’s look.
• Invest in Landscaping: Though not technically a home improvement, landscaping can go a long way toward upping the curb appeal of a home. Notice how the shrubs around the foundation of the front of the home soften things? And that curving sidewalk is much more inviting than a straight strip of cement.

Is your home lacking in curb appeal?  We’ve got a number of things to help.  We are a licensed Minnesota home remodeling contractor specializing on exterior services like energy-efficient replacement windows and exterior doors, siding, and more.  Call us today for a free in-home consultation. We serve the greater Minneapolis and St. Paul metro area. 

 

Window Outfitters is a premier Window Replacement, doors, siding contractor and installer. As Contractor in the St Paul, Minneapolis, (Twin Cities) Minnesota (MN) metro, we proudly serve, but are not limited to, the following areas: Minneapolis Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows, Replacement Window Contractors Minnesota, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Savage, Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, Eagan, St Paul, Hastings, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, Farmington MN, Chaska, Shakopee, Chanhassen, Victoria, Mendota Heights Anderson Windows Minneapolis, Marvin Windows Minneapolis.