Painting Projects to Boost Curb Appeal

Is it time to put your house on the market? When selling a house, first impressions are everything. With a little paint and some small upgrades to details like light fixtures, you can dramatically improve the first impression your home gives to potential buyers. Many of these projects can be done yourself, others you may want to consider professional assistance with. If you need help, contact us for a free estimate.

Front Door

The front door is the first interaction a potential buyer will have with your home. Create an impression with a new coat of paint that adds to the curb appeal. Try a pop of color to add a welcoming vibe. Zillow reports a black front door will add $6,000 to your asking price. Take the extra step and invest in new fixtures to finish the look.

Mailbox

A styled or interesting mailbox is a nice detail that buyers often notice as the pull in the to see the house for the first time. Depending on where you live, there may be restrictions on what you can do with the mailbox color or style, If you have an HOA its best you check with them on if there are rules around what the mailbox needs to look like.

Fences

If you have a fence and it looks at all run down, or lopsided or showing its age, this is another good opportunity to boost curb appeal. A pristine, sanded and painted fence gives a lot of value to a first impression and will give buyers a good feeling about the home before they even walk in the front door.

Gutters and Spouts

An old gutter system or missing downspout can certainly date your home and give the illusion of disrepair. Replace any missing pieces. Take time to put a coat of new paint on the pieces that remain. A clean gutter and spout system tidies up the outside of your home with an easy one-day job.

Paint, Siding, and Trim

Give your home a face lift with a new outside look. Exterior paint can make all the difference in a sale. Remove clearly obvious defects like cracks, rots and other issues in the structure, seal and paint. While this is a big project, you will be surprised at the difference this makes. Below is a home we recently painted in Santa Monica, the house looks brand new after an exterior painting project on the siding and trim.

Driveway

Most driveways get little thought after your car is parked on it. If you have plants pushing through it and cracks or stains in the front, it can kill the house’s vibe. Pull the weeds and repair cracks or stains. Seal the driveway with a new coat of paint or sealer. Try to choose a neutral or coordinating color. This is a messy, but easy project most homeowners can do in an afternoon. It makes a big difference in the look and feel of the driveway, and provides extra protection and water resistance.

Railings

Porch and stoop railings take a lot of abuse compliments of the weather. Replace pieces that are too far rusted or rotted for repair. Repair other pieces. Give them all a good painting or sealing to complete the job. Your railings will become a selling point instead of deterrent.

Flower Beds

Add or repair pavers that separate your lawn from flower beds. Tend the flowers and get them looking nice. Add a color pop by painting the pavers around them. It’s a nice touch to make them complimentary or the same color as trim or the home.

Light Fixtures

Remove any deteriorating light fixtures for repairing or replacing. Clean them up with painting and washing. It will add a touch of sparkle to potential buyers, especially if they visit after dark.