As I mentioned earlier, an essential part of curb appeal is the home's "grand entrance" — the portal to even the most modest house. You want to create a sense of a great place to come home to. Impressing the home shopper at the front door is a vital part of the home sale. This means more than putting out a welcome mat and potted plants. You want prospective buyers to feel welcome, safe, and secure when they open the door. The doorknob is the first point-of-touch on a home. Security is critical to homebuyers. A flimsy lock or handle on the front door will make potential homebuyers uncomfortable, and they may not even know why. Replace a worn or loose entry handset. Consider replacing the door handle with a heavy-duty deadbolt and knob combination. This investment of less than $100 will make your home more visibly and practically secure, and everyone wants to be secure in their home. The front door is a focal point; make it impressive. Freshen it up and add a dash of color. Choose a paint that complements the color of your home. Replacing a wooden door with a steel entry door is worth the cost with a 91% ROI (Return on Investment). • Symmetry appeals to the eye and is easy to accomplish. Lopsided landscaping or unevenly trimmed bushes will detract from the curb appeal; the home's overall appearance needs balance. • The mailbox should complement your home. If it is worn, dated, or unsightly, replace it. This doesn't cost much and is worthwhile. • Use outdoor lighting to add to landscaping appeal as well as a perceived safety feature. 19 SOME OTHER CONSIDERATIONS IN CREATING GREAT CURB AP T CURB APPEAL: EAL:
Powered by FlippingBook