How to Improve Curb Appeal of Your Mortgage

Your mortgage application is the first impression most investors will have of you. If the vibe is negative from the beginning, it could cause them to continue searching for other homes they may be more excited about. Curb Appeal, also known as visual appeal, is how well your property looks from the outside.

Investors are more likely to choose a home if they see it beforehand. They’re less likely to pass over properties that stand out from others in the neighborhood or subdivision. Adding some simple upgrades such as landscaping and exterior paint can help brighten up that first impression and make it easier for potential buyers to see what you’ve got going on inside your house.

It doesn’t matter if you just moved in or if you have plans to do so soon — keeping an eye on your curb appeal should be at the top of your priority list as soon as possible.

What is Curb Appeal?

Curb appeal is the visual appeal of property: how well it looks from the outside. Visual appeal can be an important factor in attracting potential buyers.

Higher visual appeal can make a house stand out more and make it look better than other properties. Visual appeal can be thought of as the exterior of your house, including the exterior paint, landscaping, and fencing. It also includes the outside of your windows, garage doors, and doors, and any roofing, siding, and gutters.

Why Invest in Curb Appeal?

Curb appeal can make a big impact on the decision-making process of a potential homebuyer. If they see your house first and are drawn to it because of your improvements, they might take a closer look at the inside and decide to tour it or even make an offer on a house.

It can also help you stand out in the crowd. If you’re looking to sell your home, a more appealing exterior can increase your value. It can also help you attract a new tenant if you’re thinking of listing your property.

How to Keep Curb Appeal Up

There are many ways to keep curb appeal high. Here are a few suggestions to get you started.

1. Invest in the exterior

Paint your house, fence your yard, and fix up any broken items around the exterior. It may cost a bit up-front, but it will pay off in the long run.

2. Invest in the interior

Keep your house clean, avoid clutter inside, and keep your yard and exterior clean and free of debris. The more appealing your exterior, the more appealing your interior will be.

3. Keep your home organized

Do away with clutter and wear and tear, and organize your home as best you can.

4. Invest in quality furniture and appliances

Buy items that are in good condition and offer value.

5. Invest in home insurance

Make sure that your home is adequately insured. It can protect you in case something goes wrong and a home improvement project comes up.

6. Invest in your mortgage

Make sure you have enough money saved towards your down payment and closing costs. This will protect you in case something comes up and it’s not possible to make the payment on time.

Checklist

A good checklist on how to improve the Curb Appeal of Your Mortgage

• Make an effort to keep your yard and exterior clean and free of debris.
• Invest in quality furniture and appliances.
• Make sure that your home is adequately insured.
• Invest in your mortgage.
• Keep your home organized.
• Invest in visual appeal.
• Add colorful furnishings and accents.
• Add an outdoor fenced-in space.
• Install wider and sturdier decking.
• Add a pool or spa.
• Install an energy-efficient A/C unit.
• Install energy-saving LED lighting.
• Install motion-detector lighting.
• Install outdoor speakers.
• Add a flower or bush in your yard.
• Add a fountain or bird feeder.
• Add a swing or hammock to your porch.
• Add a plant to your home.
• Add a squirrel cage bird feeder.
• Add a hose to your outdoor garden.
• Add a grill to your patio.
• Add a dog or cat to your family.

Get Outside Help

If you’re trying to improve your curb appeal, it’s a good idea to call in some outside support. You may want to consult with a real estate agent, an appraiser, or a lender who can give you a professional opinion of your house, and offer advice as to what can be done to improve it.

You may want to talk to a contractor who specializes in home improvement or an electrician who can help you with lighting upgrades and wiring. You may want to get advice on landscaping, fence options, or pool upgrades from a local gardening center or a professional landscaper.

You may want to get guidance on remodeling or painting projects from a local contractor or a paint supplier. You may want to speak to a local electric company about upgrading your wiring and adding energy-saving lighting fixtures. You may want to speak to your local HOA board about upgrading your landscaping options. You may want to speak to a local tree service about having your trees trimmed.

Add Colorful Furnishings

There’s a reason furniture stores are packed full of colorful pieces — they’re what draw the eye. A few pieces of colorful furniture scattered around your home can help draw the eye and make it more likely that a potential buyer will notice them.

Also read: Furnishing For Home: Tips and Advice for a Beautiful Space

It’s also a great way to add color and personality to your home. If you need furniture, keep in mind that retailers often have end-of-season sections that are packed full of items that have just been taken off the floor at full price. If you don’t want to drop hundreds of dollars on new furniture, be sure to check out the clearance section of your local department store. You may be surprised to see what has been marked down to nothing.

Add Accent Lighting

Accent lighting can be used to add a bit of extra brightness to your home at night or when it’s dark outside. It can also be used to create a more interesting ambiance when the sun isn’t out.

There are a variety of different types of accent lighting to choose from and they can help illuminate your home in a variety of different ways.

They can be used to illuminate your front porch or driveway, create a softer mood when you’re inside reading a book or watching TV by adding a bit of lighting to the room, or used to highlight special features of your home like your porch railing, fireplace, or landscaping.

Install Wider and Sturdier Decking

Wider and sturdier decks are a great way to add a bit more square footage to your home and make it feel larger. They can also be used for outdoor activities like grilling, playing volleyball, or playing horseshoes.

Wider decks are great because they’re designed to be sturdy and able to withstand the weight of feet coming off them onto the floor. It can be difficult to keep dry when walking across a wooden deck that’s been scratched or worn down over time.

Add a Pool or Spa

If you’re looking to add some extra oomph to your home, a pool or spa can add a lot of value to your property.

Both can come with a hefty price tag and require extensive upgrades to your home, but they can also be quite versatile and come in a variety of different shapes and sizes.

A pool or spa can be installed outdoors, in your backyard, or in your garage. They can also be used in several different ways, from relaxing in the sun or creating a splash for guests to swim to cooling off in the shade or with water jets.

Conclusion

Curb appeal is key to securing a home mortgage, and it can be improved with a bit of effort and creativity.

Keep your yard and exterior clean, invest in the exterior, keep your home organized, add colorful furnishings and accents, and apply some energy-saving lighting techniques. This can help boost your curb appeal and make it easier for investors to see what you have to offer inside your home.

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