6 Curb Appeal Mistakes to Avoid

Whether you’re planning to sell your home or simply want to enhance its appearance, it’s essential to pay attention to its curb appeal. Curb appeal is the first impression your home makes on potential buyers or visitors, and it can greatly impact their perception of the property. But not all changes made in the name of curb appeal are a good idea – in fact, there are some common curb appeal mistakes that you’ll want to avoid, and we’re going to go over 6 of them.

1) Neglecting the Front Door

It may not seem like much, but your front door is one of the most important elements of your home’s curb appeal. After all, it’s the one of the first things visitors or potential buyers will get a good look at before entering your home. So, if your front door is worn, faded or outdated, it can really detract from the overall appearance of your home.

If it’s in really bad shape, then consider replacing your front door with a newer, more stylish option that complements the colour of your home. Or, if it’s simply faded, a new coat of paint can work wonders.

2) Ignoring Landscaping

Another major curb appeal mistake is neglecting your landscaping. Overgrown weeds, dead plants, and untrimmed trees and bushes can make your home look uncared for and uninviting. 

At the very least, you should try and keep your lawn mowed and edged to help enhance its appeal. And if you have a green thumb, you may also want to consider adding fresh mulch to garden beds, and maybe even new flowers or plants for an extra pop of colour.

3) Leaving Clutter Out Front

Leaving clutter out front is a major mistake when it comes to curb appeal. A cluttered porch or driveway can make your home look messy and unkempt, and detract from its positive qualities.

So, before hosting any guests, remove any unnecessary items, such as children’s toys, bikes or lawn equipment from the front yard. You can also add some stylish outdoor furniture to create a more inviting space.

4) Choosing the Wrong Colour Scheme

Choosing the wrong colour scheme for your home can greatly impact its curb appeal. It can be distracting, and make potential buyers think twice about putting in an offer.

Avoid clashing colours and opt for a colour scheme that complements the style of your home. Consider using neutral tones for the main colour and add pops of colour with accent pieces.

5) Forgetting About Lighting

Forgetting about lighting is a common mistake when it comes to curb appeal. Outdoor lighting can add a sense of warmth and welcome to your home, while also providing safety and security. 

So, if your home is often shrouded in darkness once the sun goes down, try installing path lights or adding a new fixture to the front porch.

6) Ignoring Maintenance and Repairs

Finally, ignoring necessary maintenance and repairs is one of the biggest mistakes you can make when it comes to curb appeal. Broken steps, chipped paint, and damaged siding can all detract from your home’s overall appearance. 

Take the time to address any necessary repairs and keep your home well-maintained. It may be a little costly upfront, but there’s a good chance you’ll make that money back once you sell your home.

The Bottom Line

By avoiding these common curb appeal mistakes, you can create a welcoming and inviting first impression for potential buyers or visitors. Remember to keep your front door and landscaping well-maintained, remove any clutter, choose a complementary colour scheme, incorporate outdoor lighting, and keep up with necessary maintenance and repairs. 

With these tips, your home is sure to make a great first impression. Good luck!

Need a hand selling your home? We’d be happy to help! Click here to get in touch with Hawkins/Ryerse Real Estate Group, and get started with us today.