Easy Ways To Increase Your Home’s Street Value
If you’ve just moved into a new home, chances are good that you will focus on the inside first: the parts of the house that you will see the most. New paint, adding shelves and pictures, new furniture – it all costs money to bring your move-in ready house up to your standards. By the time you get done with the inside, there is typically not much money left to tackle the outside. Never fear – there are some easy and inexpensive ways to up your home’s street value and add your own special touches to your new abode.
Mulch is fast and easy – and often free. In some counties, mulch is offered free by city agencies through recycling departments. Saving water through conserving moisture and preventing rain runoff are important features in a South Florida home – giving your home a beautifully landscaped look for very little money.
Shut the front door. Then check out the door’s knob and deadbolt. Do they need to be updated? Does your key stick, but you know the secret “jiggle” to get it open easily? Replacing your door’s hardware is easy (most non-experienced handymen/women can do this upgrade in under an hour) and can be inexpensive. While you’re checking out the front door, look for cobwebs overhead, and take a look at the overhead lighting. Is it adequate? Take down any light covers, removing the collection of dead bugs and replace any burned out bulbs.
If you don’t use the front door as your main point of entry, take a moment to walk to the front door. Does shrubbery block the path or hang over the walk? Trim back any overgrown bushes and make sure there is a clear path to the door. Check the pathway itself – do any bricks need to be replaced or concrete repaired?
Rent a pressure washer and clean off driveways, sidewalks, porches or decks. Scrub down your mailbox and front door. Check out any potted plants – remove the dead plant tribute to fall and clean the planter boxes. Give them a coat of paint in a bright color and then fill them with fresh, colorful flowers for instant pops of color and interest.
Add color. Many homeowners stick with two colors for the exterior of their home. Add some curb appeal by adding a third (or even a fourth) color to shutters or trim. Easily painted in a day, these small areas can lend big hands towards making your house feel inviting.
Break out the lawn equipment and do a thorough job mowing, edging, trimming and pruning. A well-manicured lawn instantly upgrades the home from “ok” to “lovely”.
By investing time and elbow grease into a few minor upgrades outside, you can have a home that you love – both inside and out – easily. More expensive and extensive outdoor projects can always be done later, as time and budgets allow. Keeping the outside of your home fresh and clean doesn’t have to be a chore – and it doesn’t have to be expensive.