Even though it’s a cliché, first impressions matter a lot in real estate. Yes, some purchasers may require a few days to mull it over. But, for the most part, buyers are smitten with a house the minute they pull up to its driveway and see it for themselves. Appraisers will also value your home mostly by the first look. So, you’ll definitely want the landscape to look great. Also, according to statistics, now could be the best time to sell – and you’d want to do it for top dollar. So, here are some curb appeal ideas to add value to your home.
1# Make it sophisticated
When it comes to house sales, properties with elaborate landscaping—such as curving bed lines and huge island plants—tend to get a higher price tag, according to real estate stats. The landscapes with huge deciduous, evergreen and annual color plants sold better than those without these types of plant materials. Planting beds, according to experts at orangemover.com, are an affordable and low-lift option to add aesthetic interest, texture, and color. You may use them to make your lawn seem fuller even when the grass is well cut and trimmed.
2# Make it green
You can’t go wrong if you have trees in your yard. In addition to providing shade and removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, trees will add value to your exterior. Trees also have a way of making a house seem more like home. They provide a feeling of continuity between a home and its surroundings as well as a connection between the people who live there and their surroundings. The best way to choose a tree is to think about the function it will serve. Deciduous trees are a good pick if you want additional shade in the summertime. When the trees lose their leaves in the winter, they allow some light into your yard. In addition, they may possibly save you money on your utility bills!
A big tree will provide not only you shade but also privacy on hot summer days
3# Rock your exterior design with some rocks
Adding a low-maintenance focal point to your yard is easy with a beautiful rock bed. Tossing random rocks, on the other hand, is a bad idea. If you want a traditional “rock” aesthetic but don’t want to shell out hundreds of dollars for a 400-square-foot area, consider using decomposed granite or trap rock. Also, avoid using limestone since it decomposes fast and turns into debris. If you decide on bigger individual stones, seek smooth and spherical ones. These will endure longer and generate less unpleasant, gritty rock-garden waste that weeds enjoy.
4# Fiberglass doors are one of the best curb appeal ideas to add value to your home
When it comes time to put your house on the market, a fiberglass front door might help you recuperate some of your investment. There are also other advantages. They’re more energy-efficient than traditional wooden front doors, just like steel ones. In contrast, steel doors are prone to rust and corrosion over time and will not look good, no matter how good your home staging is. With fiberglass, you won’t have to worry about unattractive dents and corrosion.
5# Decking made of composite material is a big yes
Wooden decks are beautiful, but maintaining their waterproof qualities demands a lot of time and effort. Composite decking, on the other hand, has a long warranty. It requires no sealing, staining, replacement of rotting boards, or danger of termites, extending the life of the deck and saving you thousands of dollars over the course of its existence. Composite decking comes in three varieties:
Polyethylene-based
Polypropylene ones
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
6# Make sure your landscape reflects the design of your house
How can you get the most out of your landscaping dollars? It’s about making sure your landscaping truly compliments your home’s design. Craftsman-style homes should be given basic and traditional landscaping, such as a bed of vividly colored flowers or well-structured shrubs. If you want your house to be called a breathtaking home in the market, modern additions like koi ponds and lavish fountains that appear as if they belong in Caesar’s Palace should be avoided at all costs.
Sometimes, just a bed of vividly colored flowers makes all the magic.
7# Make your front yard look simple yet trendy
We’ve already mentioned the importance of greenery in the presentation. But, we picked up a few more sneaky tricks from professional movers. It is important to keep up with trends in order to boost your home value, and the trend right now dictates that ‘less is more. What does that actually mean in terms of front yard remodeling? It is important to add some greenery to your presentation, but it’s also important to pick only a few different kinds that will look good together. The other key to success is to pick wisely and choose the kinds of plants that don’t need too much maintenance. That way, you’ll save money and make trendy and harmonious curb appeal.
8# Light it up—but functionally
As a reward for your efforts, ensure you can always see the results of your hard work. Landscape lighting will draw attention to your home’s architectural elements and most eye-catching vegetation. In addition, the project is very cost-effective and easy to implement. Also, who doesn’t like a good and functional light show in their yard? Smart lighting will surely add to your home’s value. If you really want to go all-in, you can make adjustable lighting that will be able to tone it down and allow a buyer to enjoy star gazing under Virginia’s sky.
If you put some creativity in, you can make an exceptional exterior design with simple light bulbs.
Bottom line
So, there you have it—a ticket to a better home sale. If you apply at least two of these curb appeal ideas to add value to your home, you’ll be on a great path to a good deal. Even if some of these are inapplicable to your situation, be smart and adjust. The most important thing is to think like a buyer. When you see all the flaws clearly, you can focus on fixing them. Just then, there will be a great reward in money return.
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
Fall is the season that carries the meaning of warm and cozy. Experts say it is the perfect time for renovating and falling in love with your home. To do so, it would be good to make a priority list of all the projects you want to tackle to make your home ideal. But, even if you want to find some of the best home upgrades for the fall to increase your home’s value and make it attractive to potential buyers, this article is suitable for you too. We have created a list of various projects to choose from, depending on your time and budget. The projects you are about to read range from minor maintenance to major upgrades. Either way, we are sure you will find something that suits your family’s needs and desires.
Which are the best home upgrades for the fall?
Once you decide to renovate, the thrill and excitement start. However, once you get down to business, you realize how many steps you need to take to make your wishes come true. It’s essential to bear in mind that it’s normal to start feeling anxious or pressured.
The key to successful remodeling is to be prepared and organized. Of course, you can make a list of priority tasks you want to do, but it would be good to make a step-by-step list to follow to ensure a smooth process. For example, if you plan on remodeling your living space, you should consider getting a portable storage unit to give you extra space where you need it. This way, you will remove all the things in the way while still being able to access them.
Finally, let’s take a look at some of the best home upgrades for the fall.
Exterior accessories upgrade
Front door repainting or replacement
Painting the exterior
Power washing
Gutter cleaning
Roof repair
Deck refreshment
Switching to a thermostat
Heated flooring in the bathroom
Upgrade your exterior accessories
Your exterior is the first thing you or anyone sees. So, if you always think of that one light bulb not working above your front door, now is the time to replace it. Additionally, paying attention to your lighting when staging your home is a good idea if you are looking to sell your house.
Small, but still, one of the best home upgrades for the fall. Update your mailbox and home number.
House numbers and mailboxes are also small things worth upgrading. It would be best to have your exterior accessories matching in material and color.
Replace or repaint your front door
Replacing the front door will give you peace of mind knowing you and your family are safe. It will also give your entrance much-needed flair.
The easiest and more cost-efficient way is to repaint your front door. The best thing of all is that by doing so, you can make your home stand out in just one afternoon.
Painting your exterior is one of the best home upgrades for the fall
If your house could use a fresh coat of paint, go for it. This is especially important if you want to sell your house in the near future. Painting your home’s exterior will do wonders for curb appeal. So, before you call the experts from Zippy Shell Northern Virginia to help you relocate, pick up the paint rollers and put on some clothes you don’t mind staining!
Another thing you might want to consider if you are not a fan of painting is to install new siding. By doing so, you will boost your home’s curb appeal and durability.
Power wash the exterior
Your exterior might need a good and thorough power wash. Numerous materials, such as brick, concrete, wood, metal, vinyl, are surfaces that you can power wash. With that said, it would be best if you used less pressure on painted surfaces.
Clean your gutters
This is a step that often tends to be neglected. However, it shouldn’t, since your gutters work hard during fall and wintertime.
It’s best to clean your gutters before it gets too cold.
Snow and winter can be hard on gutters, so it would be best to have a routine inspection twice a year. Also, pay attention to any cracks or holes that need to be fixed before the cold weather arrives.
Repair your roof
Repairing or even replacing your roof during fall will make your home’s insulation better, and therefore lead to lower heating costs.
A functional roof gives anyone peace of mind.
Another advantage of repairing or replacing your roof is that it enhances curb appeal. Potential buyers will be more attracted to a home with a new and secured roof. On the other hand, buyers might try to negotiate a lower price if your roof needs repairs.
Refresh the deck
You can revive your deck by simply power-washing and hand-scrubbing it, which will make it seem like new. You should then go ahead and add a protective coat of semitransparent paint.
A deck is a place that gathers family and friends, don’t neglect it.
Switch to a thermostat
It might be time to switch to a thermostat and lower your energy bill during colder months. Digital thermostats can lower your bills to up to 180$ a year. The best thing is there’s a variety of models to choose from. For example, there are simple versions that only control heat and can be found for a price of 25$. Also, there are more complicated units that control humidifying and cooling too.
Install heated flooring in your bathroom
Heated floors keep you and your feet warm, especially during colder months. We can agree that no one likes walking into a cold bathroom in the morning or stepping on a cold floor after a hot shower.
Heated floors are cozy and energy-efficient.
The takeaway from best home upgrades for the fall
The end of summer is just around the corner. Use this in-between time to take up some of the best home upgrades for the fall to make your home cozy and secure or give potential buyers what they want to see. Good luck!
Meta description: If you are looking to raise the value of your home or simply spruce it up, read on. Here are the best home upgrades for the fall!
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
Buying a house is a significant endeavor, but selling one is also a considerable process. Everything from new real estate trends to knowing if you should hire an agent or not can have an impact on your sale. Another point to keep in mind is that presentation matters. To make the best possible impression, check out these tips for showing your home to potential buyers.
Real estate showing
A real estate showing is an opportunity to show the buyers the strengths of your property. For a buyer, it is one of the crucial moments upon which they will base their final decision. With this in mind, it’s easy to see why sight-unseen sales are so rare. Buyers will come to look around your property, and you need to make an effort to show them why they should buy it. If you present your home in the best light, it’ll be easier for buyers to imagine themselves living there, and this is sometimes all that matters. Since these sales are significant and should be based on logic, sometimes a feeling or a hunch can push the buyer in a particular direction.
Ensure that you’re aware of the experience that your potential buyers are going through as soon as they enter your home. Follow these tips to make their experience more memorable.
This is the right time to make an impression.
Small renovations
Should you renovate your home, or should you sell it as is? This is a common question people ask themselves when selling their home. They don’t want to go through a home renovation project if it doesn’t pay off, and that’s something everyone can understand. However, keep in mind that sometimes you don’t have to do a major renovation to make a big difference. Before you start, create a step by step plan and stick to it. This will help you not spend more on your renovations than you’ve initially planned.
Touch-ups and repainting
If you have carpet flooring in your home, you don’t have to swap it for hardwood. However, as the carpets are likely to show signs of aging, you can shampoo or change them. Repainting will also freshen up your home, and it’s not too big of an investment. Bold color choices are not the best option here, as not everyone likes them. Even with neutral colors, one, two, or three colors are more than enough for the entire home.
Another good thing to do is to replace old fixtures. Door handles and light switches are inexpensive but can make a big difference. And while you don’t pay attention to these details anymore, be sure that most potential buyers will.
Take care of the exterior
The lawn is one of the first things the buyers notice when they enter your property. Ensure your lawn is well manicured and that the exterior will not contradict the experience the buyers will have inside your home. This means that your front porch or stoop should be clean, as well as the walkway. If you have some plants or flowers, they show that you regularly take care of them. You can use fertilizer to revive a tired lawn, and if bushes need some cutting, take care of that before you start showing your house.
The exterior is just as important.
Clean your house
You might’ve come to realize that a ‘clean house’ is not the same for everyone. If you’re not hiring a professional cleaning company, ensure that your home is clean, even for a germaphobe’s standards. Viewing a messy and dirty home leaves a terrible impression, even though it’s not too hard to clean a house after buying. Knowing its importance, you should make sure that your home is in tip-top share for as long as it’s on the market. This means that you’ll have to clean it even in-between showings. Even more so, having in mind that it’s not a good idea to ask potential buyers to take their shoes off at the door.
Clear the clutter
Remove any unnecessary items to create a minimalist look. You want your home to look larger and to be easy to walk through. This means that it’s better to remove any personal items, like photos, mementos, or valuables. But, having in mind that you probably still haven’t contacted the professionals found at Verified Movers to transport your belongings, it can be hard finding the right place for them at this point. You can put these extra items in bins and assign each room or a family member a container. But, be careful about valuables and ensure they’re somewhere safe.
Tuck away cords and remove unnecessary decorative elements. If an item is in sight, make sure it serves a purpose. Pillowcases, artwork, or candles can emphasize a particular part of a room and remove focus from other areas. With this in mind, use these tricks wisely and sparingly.
A well-lit space looks more inviting.
Comfortable temperature
Make sure that the temperature in your home is at an optimal level so that you can create a welcoming atmosphere. An airless environment on a hot day or a cold house on a cold day will make the buyers uncomfortable. It will also leave them wondering if the cooling or heating systems are working, no matter what you say.
It doesn’t end with showing your home to potential buyers
It’s good to prepare for the process of showing your house to potential buyers. However, keep in mind that it doesn’t end here, especially if you have multiple offers. Knowing how to handle getting multiple offers on your home is also part of this process. It’s good to know what details you should consider to make a favorable decision and choose the right offer.
Saying goodbye
There is no reason not to say goodbye the right way. You can put a small note thanking buyers for coming and put it in a candy bowl on their way out. If a buyer needs time to evaluate and think, don’t follow them and describe additional amenities or features.
A thank you note is a good way to say goodbye.
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Orange, Locust Grove, Culpeper, Northern Virginia or even Maryland or DC, we are your Real Estate team committed to finding the perfect home for you! Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar, and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, one of our area expert advisors will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available properties, please visit our website licatagroup.com
