Home Curb Appeal

Front Curb Appeal is important to help greet visitors and is crucial if you are trying to sell your home. First impressions on your home helps visitors and potential buyers solidify their first impression of your home. Curb appeal is essential to how your house is perceived. The focal point of this curb appeal article is the area around your front door.

Add house numbers

This is a great way to get some bang for your buck. Brass or nickel house numbers are inexpensive and can quickly add to the updated look of your home. These numbers are typically screwed to the wall with small matching screws that are included. Another option is to add a number plaque to compliment the house numbers. If you have an arts and craft style home, perhaps consider painting the numbers onto your home or to the rise of your front steps. Pricing range from $5 a number to $20.

Update your lighting

A front light greats visitors in the evening and there are lots of styles to choose from. When choosing a new light, consider the size, style and location where the light will be located. For additional style, look or a hand crafted fixture. Regardless of the style, you will want to match the finish of your front door hardware. A common mistake home owners often make is choosing a light that is too bright or too dim. Your front light should cast little to no shadow when people are standing at the front door. Prices can range from $20 up to a couple of hundred dollars.

Replace that old doorbell button

A cracked or worn out doorbell button conveys a message of a home that has had it maintenance needs ignored. Doorbell buttons are sold separately from chimes and upgrading them is easy to do. Match the style of your home and door hardware finish. Installation is very straightforward with either low-voltage wiring (two wires) or none at all (wireless chimes). Pricing range from $5 to $25.

Mail call

A mailbox or mail slot provide you with an additional way to tie all your updates together. Matching the finish of the door hardware helps convey a message of continuity. There are many styles to choose from. If you have an old home, you may find authentic mail slots at an architectural salvage yard. Pricing range from $10 to $100.

Other finishing details

Make sure you have no pealing paint on the door trim. A worn down porch can be brightened up with a quick power wash and re staining or painting. Don't forget to update your door mat. A funny cat or dog picture may add some personality to your home but if you are trying to sell your home, a more traditional mat would be more appropriate. You might also want to consider landscaping changes.