Give Your Home a Facelift

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Whether you're selling your home or not, check out some great ways to improve its curb appeal.

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Dave Lupberger on improving a home's curb appeal: Hi, I'm David Lupberger with ServiceMagic.com. Many of us get so used to seeing the flaws in our homes, that they become - well, hard to see. But if a stranger comes to your home, their first impression might be based on those very same flaws. That could be especially devastating if you're trying to sell your home. Creating a strong first impression - curb appeal - is essential. Peeling paint, weeds, clutter... all things that could make your house the talk of the neighborhood. In fact, in a recent ServiceMagic poll, 63% of those responding said they have a neighbor they wish cared more about their curb appeal. And the range of projects to help your home's curb appeal means you can almost always find something to do within your budget. - like landscaping. Great landscaping is almost always going to impress potential buyers as they look at your home for the first time. Pulling weeds, mowing and planting flowers are low-cost ways that could make a vast improvement. And if you want to go even farther, hiring a landscaper to plan and create a lawn renovation will likely make you and your neighbors happy. Another inexpensive way to improve first impressions - the front porch view.



Lupberger: Think about potential buyers and their real estate agents as they're opening the front door. There's a good 20-30 seconds for the buyer to look around while the agent unlocks the door. What are they seeing? Do the door and window sills need painting? Is the front porch clean? Are the screens torn? This short time period can cement a buyer's perception of how well you've maintained your home. This is where paint can do a lot of good. And, if your house needs it, consider painting the whole thing - that's a change you can see from the street. Another great curb appeal improvement - new siding. Specifically, fiber cement siding that over time could be one of the best projects for getting a return on your investment. Fiber-cement is more expensive than vinyl, but is more durable than vinyl and less-likely to fade. New siding is an attractive way to protect your investment, improve your curb appeal and can be one of the best projects for getting a return on your investment.



Lupberger: Even if the ceiling isn't coming down around your head... take a long hard look at your roof. Buyers often ask how old the roof is, and will likely make sure there aren't any problems with curling asphalt tiles. Roofs are often a point of discussion in home inspections leading up to a sale. Finally, are your windows up to date? Buyers are easily turned off by outdated windows that give the house a crusty, unclean feel. Especially watch for dual pane windows that have moisture trapped between. It's something you might be used to, but someone seeing your home for the first time will want a clearer view. Whether you're getting your house ready to sell or just ready to live in some more, there are so many more ways to improve your curb appeal. For even more suggestions... and to find a prescreened home professional to help you move beyond those ideas... check out ServiceMagic.com ... home improvement, hassle-free.