If you’re selling your property with winter on the way, you may be thinking about making your home more appealing from the street. After all, first impressions count, and your home’s exterior is the first thing potential buyers will see when they drive by. Here are a few tips to help you boost winter curb appeal this season.
1. Clear the Walkways to Boost Curb Appeal this Winter
Keep the walks and driveways free of snow and ice. Visitors to your home won’t enjoy trudging through a foot of snow to get to the front door, so make sure the sidewalks and driveway are cleared of accumulation as soon as possible after a storm. Well-maintained walkways make the home look welcoming and cared for. Plus, you’ll boost safety by removing ice.
2. Clean the Gutters
Make sure the gutters are clean and functioning correctly. In the winter, melting snow and ice can back up in gutters clogged with leaves and other debris. Overflowing gutters can cause damage to your home’s siding, landscaping, and foundation. Potential buyers may notice when the guttering channels are clogged with pine needles and twigs and will assume the property isn’t well-maintained. Consider investing in gutter guards to reduce the amount of debris that accumulates there in the first place.
3. Exterior Touch-Ups
Before the photographer arrives to take pictures for the listing, touch up the outside of the house. Examine the exterior, looking for areas that could use a fresh coat of paint or other attention. Check porch railings, inspect the shutters, clean the windows, and pressure-wash the front porch.
Exterior touch-ups are especially important if you own an older home. Several minor issues can give potential buyers the impression that the rest of your home is in disrepair.
4. Boost Winter Curb Appeal with Seasonal Decor
Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean your home has to look dull. Add festive seasonal flair with a wreath on the door or an evergreen garland around the porch columns. You can even add outdoor string lights for a cheerful ambiance. Don’t go overboard – you want potential buyers to focus on your home and not feel overwhelmed by holiday decorations.
With just a few simple steps, you’ll make a difference in how inviting your home appears from the street this winter – even when the weather outside is less than perfect. So don’t be discouraged by the colder temps and shorter days – there are still plenty of ways to boost curb appeal.
HomeSpec provides home inspections for homebuyers and sellers in North Mississippi and Southwest Tennessee. Contact us to request our services.