Cut Costs on Curb Appeal

Low on street cred? Here are staging expert Anne’s tips to increase your home's curb appeal for potential buyers without breaking the bank:

Dress Up the Door:

Your home's front entry is the focal point of its curb appeal. Make a (inexpensive) statement by giving your front door a blast of color with fresh paint or stain. Clean off any dirty spots around the knob, and use metal polish on the door fixtures.  A new, jute doormat and simple boxwood or magnolia wreath are the perfect neutral finishing touches.

Out With the Old:

House numbers, the entry door lockset, a wall-mounted mailbox, and an overhead light fixture are all elements that can add style and interest. If they're out of date or dingy, your home may not be conveying the aesthetic you think it is. These elements add the most appeal when they function collectively, rather than as mix-and-match pieces. Oiled-bronze finishes suit traditional homes, while brushed nickel suits more contemporary ones. Updating these can be done in an afternoon and on a budget!

Symmetry:

Symmetry is not only pleasing to the eye, it's also simple to arrange. Symmetrical compositions of light fixtures and front-door accents create welcoming entryways and boost curb appeal. You can quickly achieve this look by placing a pair of planters on either side of your door. Symmetry in the flower beds is also a good guideline to follow.  IF yours are unbalanced, simply add/remove the elements you need to balance out the visual weight.  

Follow a Formula:

When planting container gardens, always remember: “thriller, filler and spiller”. Thriller is the centerpiece plant with star quality.  Something big, bold and beautiful.  If the pot will be viewed from all angles place this plant in the center of the pot, if it only can be seen from the front, place it in the rear of the container. Filler is foliage or flowering plants that will complement but not overwhelm the main player (thriller). Filler is used to add mass to the overall design and hide any bare bones of the thriller.  Spiller is a plant that cascades down the side of the container, drawing attention downward. The spiller also hides the lip of the container softening the overall appearance.

Go Native:

If you are starting from scratch with your flower beds, you will cut costs on plants and water by staying true to the native environment.  Hearty, drought tolerant plants are the way to go here in Texas!

Light It Up:

Landscape lighting makes a huge impact on your home's curb appeal while also providing the impression of safety and security. Use fixtures to illuminate your trees, house or a walking path. Install solar fixtures for a fast, affordable update you can complete yourself!

Mailbox Makeover:

Mailboxes should complement the home and are another opportunity to express a welcoming message. When choosing a hanging drop box, pick a box that mirrors your home's trimmings. Dress up mail boxes for curb appeal by painting the wooden post to match the house's exterior color, or by surrounding with a small flowering bed.

Garage envy:

A fresh coat of paint takes years off your garage door’s appearance.  Remove any decorative window inserts (sunrise, etc) from the top windows if you have them.  This reveals a simple square window and instantly updates the entire house.  Magnetic garage decals are another inexpensive way to add “hardware” to your garage and transform the look.

Psst! Don't forget you get a free 2-hour home staging consultation with our expert Anne Nowak when you choose to sell with Nail & Key.