Weekend Warrior: 5 Projects to Boost Your Curb Appeal

Warmer weather will be here before you know it, making now the perfect time to start planning your springtime home improvement projects. Whether you're thinking about adding your home to the list of South Bend homes for sale or you just want to spruce things up, boosting your curb appeal is always a good idea. 

The good news is, you don't have to take on a major project to make a huge difference. Here are five small, but effective projects that you can easily tackle over the weekend. 

1. Paint Your Front Door
   When our real estate agents visit a seller's home, one of the first things they tell them is to pay attention to the entryway. Potential buyers have an emotional reaction when they walk into a home for the first time, and you want it to be a positive one.
   
   Adding a fresh coat of paint to your front door is an easy way to make it "pop." This will also help your home stand out from other houses the buyer may have recently visited.
   
   Make sure you choose a contrasting color that coordinates with the rest of the home. For example, a white house with black shutters will usually look great with a red door. Also, if you're going to DIY this project, take your time and do it right. Otherwise, you could end up doing more harm than good. 

2. Stage Your Porch
   Take things a step further by adding decor to your front porch. Depending on the size and shape of your porch, you may want to add a small bench or a table and chairs. If you do this, make sure to choose colors and styles that compliment the rest of the home.
   
   If you have a smaller porch, stick with basics like a nice doormat, a wreath, and some potted plants. 

3. Add Some Landscape Lighting
   Landscape lighting along your driveway and walkways, around flower beds, and strategically placed under trees can give your home a very upscale look without costing you a fortune. It can also make the home feel safer.
   
   While this project can easily take on a life of its own, you can keep it simple by choosing solar-powered lights instead of ones that need to be hard-wired. 

4. Clean the Windows
   After a long, hard winter your windows will have accumulated plenty of dirt and grime. Clean them inside and out so they sparkle. This will make the home look great from the outside and let plenty of natural light in.
   
   While you're at it, make sure you replace any torn screens and ensure that the shutters all look their best. 

5. Update Your Mailbox and House Numbers
   The mailbox is something most of us rarely give a second thought. However, one that's past its prime can detract from the overall look of your home. Sometimes a fresh coat of paint will do the trick while other times it's best to just replace the whole thing. If you do decide on a replacement, choose a simple, high-quality box that compliments the rest of your home.
   
   While you're at it, take a close look at your house numbers. If they're the ones that originally came with your home, it's probably a good time to buy new ones. This is a very inexpensive project that can add a unique splash of personality to your home. 

Not only is spring a great time for home improvement projects, but it's also prime home-selling season. If you've been thinking about listing your home, now is the perfect time to do it. Contact us today to learn more about how much your home is worth so you can make your decision with confidence.