10 Tips to Improve Curb Appeal: Checklist for Homeowners

Why does curb appeal matter?   Two key reasons -- 1. Home buyers look at pictures on the Internet and make split second decisions about whether they are going to schedule a visit.  Eighty-five percent of buyers will view a home on the Internet prior to touring.  Your home won't sell unless you get a potential buyer in the front door.  2. Maintaining your neighborhood's overall look and appeal is a homeowner's responsibility. Nobody wants to live in "that house" that the other neighbors complain about.

"When faced with a long list of possible homes to visit, many buyers will first conduct a drive-by inspection before scheduling an appointment.  You may be able to overlook the cracked and stained roof, but real estate shoppers may not," says renovation expert Bill Hippard, president of the non-profit Metal Roofing Alliance (www.metalroofing.com).  "Even though it's probably the biggest design surface of your home, most people don't consider the impact a roof has on curb appeal."

 Hippard offers the following list of 10 Ways to Increase Curb Appeal.  Even if you're not planning to sell your home, these tips can freshen up your home's exterior, and increase your own enjoyment of your home

 1.  Makeover Your Mailbox

Paint or replace your mailbox.   Upgrade to a larger model if your current mailbox is on the small side.  It's a small investment that can add a new design element.

2.  Showcase Your Number

Make sure your house number is bold and easy to see from the street.   You want potential buyers (and any delivery people) to easily find your home.

3.  Add Outdoor Lighting

Consider adding outdoor lighting to your front yard.  Many lighting systems are easy to install and can highlight the architecture of any home.  You'll also help night-time real estate browsers to better see your home, and increase your security.

4.  Replace Gutters and Downspouts

If gutters and downspouts are rusty or falling off the house, replace them.  Gutters help take water away from your foundation.  Leaking gutters could lead to foundation issues, as well as termites.

5.  Dress up the Driveway

Resealing a driveway can bring it back to life.  If the driveway is in bad shape, consider replacing it with stamped concrete or decorative pavers.

6.  Upgrade Railings

Paint or replace dirty and dingy railings or replace them with decorative steel or wrought iron railings.

7.  Inspect the Roof

Review the state of your roof, and determine whether repair or replacement is needed.

You can find a checklist for reviewing your roof without a ladder here: http://www.metalroofing.com/v2/elements/files/pdf/faq/2014-Inspect-Roof-without-a-ladder.pdf

 8.  Dress Up the Front Door

Replace old hardware and give your entry door a fresh coat of paint.

9.  Renew Exterior Paint, Siding and Trim

If your siding is in good shape, power-wash it.  Adding an accent color to the trim can also make a difference.

10.  Add Flowers

 Even if you don't have a full planting bed, window boxes or planter pots add charm and color to the front of any home.  Resist the urge to use fake flowers and greenery - they'll look cheap and detract from your home's beauty.

In addition to adding to your home's overall appearance, many of these items will need to be addressed as part of a standard home inspection prior to sale, so you'll be one step closer to finalizing the deal.

For more home improvement tips, including a downloadable checklist for inspecting your roof without a ladder, homeowners can visit the Metal Roofing Alliance at www.MetalRoofing.com

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