A great first impression is essential to building a strong relationship – especially during the home buying process. The exterior of your home is the first thing buyers see when driving up for a viewing. Think about the exterior of your home. Does it put a spring in your step when you walk through your front door? Providing that “Wow” factor is your best opportunity to snag a buyer… and for top dollar.
Now you might be thinking that curb appeal is impossible in Seattle due to the unpredictable and harsh, rainy weather. This is far from reality, however. The best way to maximize the value of your home’s exterior is by creating a clean and simple look that is pleasing to the eye, and then throwing on a few unique details that pop. Here are a few Seattle-friendly curb appeal tips that will send buyers running your way.
To begin your transformation, give your home a simple cleaning. De-clutter your garden and trim any shrubs, power wash the driveway and porch, and store any unnecessary items in your garage. When you stand across the street from your home, there should not be any distractions that are unpleasing to the eye.
Next on your list is to consider your actual house. Many buyers will instantly walk away if the house needs new siding, if the gutters are falling off, or if shingles are falling off your roof. These can be big ticket items, but are sometimes necessary in order to lock in a buyer. These features do not have to be perfect, either. Sometimes giving your home a new coat of paint can provide a brand-new look that is sure to please. If you don’t want to paint the entire exterior, brightening up accents can freshen up your look without breaking the bank. Paint the front door, shutters, or trim to your home to create crisp lines. On that note, updating the hardware to your home (such as house numbers and the front door handle) can instantly portray a modern feel. Think about installing outdoor lighting. When planned properly, lighting can add safety and elegance to the outdoor atmosphere.
The most tricky part of curb appeal can be designing your landscape. Zone in on details such as size, balance, color, and variety. Trees and shrubs should be large enough to see from the street, but not so overpowering that it overwhelms the appearance of your actual home. Create a balanced yard. That is, place plants on both the left and right sides of your property to give your landscape a visual symmetry. People are often pleased when items are placed in odd-numbered groupings. For example, planting five small bushes on either side of your driveway provides both size and balance. A last tip when preparing your landscape design is focusing on color and variety. Plant a small assortment of flowers and shrubs along the front of your home to provide an array of color without going overboard.
Maple trees and cherry blossoms are fantastic trees that provide a wonderful touch to any yard in the Pacific Northwest. Some flower recommendations that are perfect for Seattle’s climate are the English Roses, Dahlias, the Sweet Pea, and the Goldflame Honeysuckle. *courtesy of Apartment Therapy
A Few things to remember –
Creating that “Wow” factor with curb appeal doesn’t have to be expensive, but it does have to be well thought out and cohesive. Make sure your design is practical and appealing to a wide audience.
Especially in our city, sustainable and energy-saving designs can be a major attraction to home buyers. Consider putting in energy-saving lightbulbs and a low-maintanance landscape.
Check out our board on Pinterest for some more curb appeal ideas:
Have you recently revamped the exterior of your home? Team Troy would love to hear about your transformation! Comment below or share your story with us on Facebook.