If you are looking to increase the value of your home, one of the easiest ways to do that is through raising its “curb appeal”. Put simply, curb appeal is how your home looks from the outside. How inviting is your home to friends, family, and possible buyers? Follow these tips to increase your home’s value, as well as your pride in your humble abode.
Cut Back the Shrubbery
One of the most accessible places to start when trying to increase your home’s outdoor appeal is landscaping. Overgrown trees and bushes, untended flower beds, and overgrown grass can quickly decrease the visual value of your home. This is typically where someone will get their first impression, so make it a good one.
It’s also important to have proper lighting in your garden and front yard. Consider increasing the lighting on the outside of your home through something as effortless as solar lights along the garden or along your sidewalk or driveway. This is sure to be noticed and appreciated by guests visiting in the evening hours.
Keep in mind—all of these landscaping improvements can be completed by a professional or through good, old-fashioned elbow grease. The cost and time can vary greatly, depending on the route you choose. Either way, this is a must for any homeowner.
Deck Out Your Back Yard
While many think of curb appeal as the front yard, the back yard shouldn’t be neglected. A great way to spruce up the back yard is the addition of a wood deck. While it’s also great for grilling and chilling in the summertime, according to US News & World Report, homeowners that add a wooden deck to their home recoup nearly 81% of the project cost when the time comes to sell their home. This is an easy way to enjoy the wonderful outdoor weather while also thinking ahead to the future.
Update the Siding
Over time, the siding on a house can become warped, discolored, or even broken. Replacing the siding can actually be fairly inexpensive, considering the size of your home. The average for replacement is around $4.50 per square foot. It’s important to remember that your siding is used to help preserve the structural integrity of your home. Small issues with your siding now can lead to big issues with future home decay.
The Final Touches
While you may not be able to work everything into your current budget, remember that the little improvements can make a big difference.
- Keep the yard clean of toys, tools, and other visual distractions.
- Keep your windows clean and smudge-free.
- Consider updating your mailbox.
These fixes are mostly free and easy to complete, but also make your home look great.
Whatever your plan may be, be sure to contact Mercer Savings Bank for guidance, questions, and needs. We are happy to help in any way that we can! Give us a call at 877.672.4543 to speak with a mortgage loan officer, fill out our online mortgage application or visit a Mercer Savings Bank location near you today!
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