Central Texas Real Estate Blog

One of the best ways to get a home buyer interested in the inside of your home is to create an irresistible outside. Your house is its own best marketing tool when you dress it up to look its best, because first impressions matter. How the home buyer feels when they stand on the front porch for the first time will affect the offer and final price of the home sale.

You need not do a radical makeover when creating curb appeal before putting your house on the market. For a small investment of time and money, you can add to the value of your home and shorten the time it is on the market.

Tip #1 Update the Entry Way

Start by cleaning up smudges and cobwebs, sweeping the porch and washing the glass on windows and light fixtures. Add a new welcome mat, and if the door is worn or drab, paint it. You may even wish to go with a bright eye-catching color. Replacing old hardware can make a large difference in the overall appearance of the entry. New doorknobs, update light fixtures and a new mailbox can make an older doorway look new again.

Tip #2 Add some lights

Strategically placed lighting adds warmth and gives a home an inviting feeling in the evening. It is also an additional safety and security feature that will be appreciated by a potential home buyer. Using lights to enhance landscaping or line the walkway to the home can be done very easily and with little expense using solar lighting.

Tip #3 Dress up using plants

Plants add color and bring life to the front of a home. Potted plants and arrangements make a walkway or porch instantly more attractive and cheerful. Adding some flowering plants around the mailbox make it more noticeable, and since most mailboxes are located near the curb, it creates a good first impression even before the home buyer reaches the front door. Window boxes are another good use of plants to create a unique and colorful feature to enhance your home’s appeal.

If you are buying or selling a home, and want a competent realtor, contact the experts at Crawford Realty Group to learn more or arrange a showing. If you'd like to have homes for sale in these areas emailed to you, sign up for our free home finder service and specify which types of homes you'd like to receive updates about.

Tip #4 Create symmetry and shade

If your front yard is sort of plain, you may consider adding an arbor and planting a vining plant to climb it. If you do not have a gate, you can create an entrance by using corner fencing on either side of the walkway. Add some flowering plants for color and you will have made an inviting entrance. Adding matching potted plants on either side of the porch or doorway creates balance and enhances and entry way.

Tip #5 Invite people to stay awhile

Placing a bench, a pair of chairs or a porch swing near the front door is an easy way to make the approach to your home inviting. Seating suggests that people are welcome to be comfortable, have conversations and enjoy their time in the front yard.

These are a few simple ways to give your home that that little something extra and make it memorable to the home buyer when they come to look at it. Feeling welcome and comfortable can make all the difference when it comes time to make an offer. Having attractive curb appeal is a big step in reaching your real estate goals when selling your home!