10 Curb Appeal Projects to Try in South Bay This Spring

10 Curb Appeal Projects to Try in South Bay This Spring

  • Bill Ruane

With spring quickly approaching, now is the perfect time to start tackling those home improvement projects. Curb appeal—how your home looks from the perspective of a passerby—is a critical component of successful property marketing. After all, your home’s exterior gives potential buyers a sneak peek of what’s to come on the inside.

Read on to learn ten curb appeal projects to try in your South Bay home.

1. Don’t overlook the small touches

As you’re preparing your house for the market, it’s easy to focus on the big-picture items. But when it comes to tackling curb appeal projects, don’t underestimate the importance of small touches! This might include planting some fresh flowers, adding a pop of color to your front door, or perhaps adding some seasonal decorations to make your home more inviting.

These touches will help boost the exterior of your property and show potential homebuyers the amount of care you’ve invested in your home. Although they may seem small, these little touches make all the difference. 

2. Wash the windows

Let the light shine in! Don’t underestimate the importance of washing your windows. Dirty, smeared windows are uninviting and can turn off potential buyers. Thankfully, this is a quick fix that can help boost your home’s curb appeal. Cleaning your windows and making them spotless makes a significant difference in how your home is perceived. Spotless windows enhance the quality of light that fills a space and makes your home brighter and warmer.

There are some essential tricks and tips to keep in mind when you’re ready to start washing your windows. First, choose a dry and cloudy day to tackle this project. Doing this in the blazing sun will result in streaks. Secondly, work to remove the spots, dirt, or dust making your windows appear lackluster and dull. Other tips include picking the right cleaner and using a microfiber cloth.

Following these steps will make your windows shine. With the right spray, cloth, and technique, you’ll have your windows sparkling before you know it! 


3. Lawn care

It should go without saying that lawn care is a critical part of prepping your home for the market. The Washington Post recommends investing as much as 10 percent of your home’s value into landscaping to make the outside as impressive as the inside.

Depending on your availability and resources, you can tackle this step yourself or hire a professional landscaper. Either way, investing in lawn care will undoubtedly elevate your home’s curb appeal. Before you know it, your lawn will be looking healthy and vibrant!

4. Add a backyard water feature

Does your backyard need a little extra TLC? If so, consider adding a water feature to up its curb appeal. Not only will this impress potential homebuyers and add a touch of beauty, but it also makes the backyard space feel more tranquil. Adding a fountain is an easy way to bring more beauty to your backyard. Plus, this water feature can be easily customizable depending on your outdoor space’s size and layout. You can also consider adding a fountain to your courtyard or entryway. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can attempt a DIY fountain following these steps.

If your backyard lacks space, perhaps add a koi pond. A water wall, also known as a rain curtain, is another backyard water feature. Easily customizable, a water wall creates an idyllic space for practicing yoga or meditation. Last but not least, if you enjoy bird watching, a birdbath might be the best option for you! This feature will transform your backyard space into a beautiful, watery oasis for your neighborhood birds. No matter which feature you decide to add, water will help improve the aesthetic of your landscape.


5. Incorporate potted plants

Potted plants are a great way to add some warmth and color to your home’s aesthetic. Luscious foliage and healthy plants will impress potential homebuyers before they even step foot inside your home. This is also a quick, easy, and cheap way to spruce up your home!  You can add potted plants on the entryway, stoop, or porch.

HGTV recommends various plants to add instant curb appeal when it comes time to sell your home. Boxwoods, for example, make excellent foundation plants and come in a variety of sizes and colors. On the other hand, mixed pots (such as half barrels or galvanized tubs) are sure to catch a buyer’s eye, but it doesn’t suit every home style. This style does typically complements cottages, ranch houses, log cabins, and farmhouses. Hanging plants, such as ferns, are perfect if your porch has an overhang.

Regardless of what you decide, adding some potted or hanging plants will help bring life into your space!

6. Replace gutters and downspouts

Although it’s far from glamorous, replacing your house’s gutters and downspouts is a critical curb appeal project. Gutters and downspouts are important for protecting your home from expensive water damage. Although the South Bay might not be rainy year-round, it does have its rainy months. With that in mind, you don’t want to overlook the importance of this step!

Replacing your gutters and downspouts will give your roof a longer lifespan and protect your home’s foundation and siding. And although you won’t reap much of the benefits of this hard work yourself, potential homebuyers won’t overlook the fact that your home has been taken care of. Plus, it will help keep your home in tip-top shape and maintain its overall quality. 

7. Install outdoor lighting

Installing some outdoor lighting is another great way to raise your home’s curb appeal. Plus, it makes your home more secure—talk about a win-win! After all, a dark property can pose risks for homeowners. Unlit stairs make it easier for someone to slip and fall. To prevent this from happening, it’s a good idea to install some outdoor landscape lighting. The proper landscape lighting can enhance the trees, steps, and deck while providing additional security.

When it comes to installing outdoor lighting, you have a myriad of options to choose from. This list includes spotlights, flood flights, or even step lights. What you decide on will most likely vary depending on your home. This simple improvement can make a huge difference in how your home looks after sunset. To make it even better, this step is easy to tackle and can be completed over the weekend—no professional help required! 


8. Clean the driveway

It’s also a good idea to take a look at your driveway to ensure it is clean. Cracks, weeds, or stains in the driveway will decrease the value of your home. Thankfully, some light maintenance can ensure this doesn’t happen! First, start by examining whether there are any small weeds growing in the cracks of your driveway or sidewalks. Then sweep up any debris or loose gravel.

Stains from oil leaks, mold, or hot tires often leave their mark on driveways, which might require some pressure washing. Although pressure washing is highly effective at removing unwanted oil stains, you need to know what you’re doing. If you use a setting that is too high on the pressure washer, it might damage the concrete. Here are some helpful tips and tricks to follow when it comes to pressure washing concrete.

9. Revamp your mailbox

Out with the old and in with the new! If the mailbox is old, this is the perfect time for a replacement. You don’t have to replace the entire mailbox often. Sometimes you can just replace the box itself rather than the entire post. If your mailbox is looking a little worn or boring, consider adding a new coat of spray paint. 

10. Paint the front door and trim

Since the front door is the entryway to your home, don’t forget to give this area a little extra attention! After all, the front door is one of the first things that people see when they look at your home. Consider adding a pop of color or revamping a worn front door. Be sure to buy the proper paint, though, since your front door and trim will be exposed to the outside elements. For example, latex paint does a great job providing weather-resistant coverage. Regardless of what color you choose, don’t forget to start by coating the door with an exterior primer first! Adding a pop of color to the exterior of your house will help score major curb appeal points.

If you’re ready to make the move to South Bay, contact Bill Ruane today. Bill serves a wide range of communities and is one of the top realtors in the area. Whether you’re looking at El Segundo homes for sale or Hawthrone luxury homes, Bill’s expertise will guide you through the home buying process.

 

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