Selling a house can be costly even before listing it. According to Zillow and Thumbtack, sellers typically spend around $5,380 on pre-listing improvements like cleaning, staging, landscaping, and painting to make a stellar first impression. But is it worth it? Absolutely. Here’s why investing in curb appeal pays off.
The Importance of Curb Appeal
Curb appeal is crucial for a good first impression and can significantly impact your home’s resale value. Zillow’s 2022 research found that 65% of sellers take on at least two home improvement projects before listing, with landscaping being the third most common upgrade. With 95% of buyers using online resources to shop for homes, the first exterior photo can make or break interest.
Adding Value Through Curb Appeal
Curb appeal improvements can add value, especially when tailored to your market. According to Remodeling magazine’s 2023 Cost vs. Value Report, seven of the ten home improvements with the highest ROI are exterior projects, such as:
– Garage Door Replacement: 103% ROI
– Manufactured Stone Veneer: 102% ROI
– Steel Entry Door Replacement: 100% ROI
– Vinyl Siding Replacement: 94% ROI
Necessary vs. Cosmetic Upgrades
Address functional issues like a damaged roof or siding first, as they can be red flags for buyers. According to Zillow’s 2022 report, 20% of sellers repair or clean up their roof before listing, and 27% replace it.
Simple Yet Impactful Cosmetic Upgrades
Once functional repairs are done, focus on cosmetic upgrades:
– Pressure Washing: Clean all hard surfaces.
– Repainting: Fresh neutral paint modernizes the look.
– Landscaping: Trim bushes, plant flowers, add mulch.
– Lighting: Update fixtures and add garden lights.
Smaller touches like painting the front door (black doors can add $6,450 to your home’s sale price, according to Zillow) or updating house numbers and mailboxes can also enhance curb appeal.
The Backyard and Beyond
Don’t forget the backyard. Zillow research shows homes with an outdoor TV earn 3% more than expected. In warmer climates, a pool can add 1.5% more value and sell two days faster.
Conclusion
Selling a home starts with a strong first impression. By investing in curb appeal and making strategic exterior upgrades, you can attract more buyers and potentially increase your home’s resale value. Every improvement you make now can pay off when it’s time to sell, making it a worthwhile investment.
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