Boost your home's curb appeal to get max value

Putting a bench or patio furniture in front of your home sends a clear message: This is a welcoming space. When a prospective buyer walks up and sees this, they can imagine themselves sitting outside with friends having a chat or reading a book on a sunny day.

On the topic of welcoming…

The moment before a potential homebuyer steps over the threshold into your lovely home, they look down at the welcome mat and see a one-of-a-kind phrase that gives them a smile. That sets a tone for their walk-through.

You could even have a mat made that reads “WELCOME TO YOUR NEXT HOME.”

There are a variety of online businesses that provide this service.

A utility box can stick out like a blemish on the side of your home. Painting it is the easiest solution; if you can match the color of the wall or siding, it will blend in at a glance. Consider adding plants or a strategically placed fence to hide the unsightly meter. Just be sure the utility company will still be able to access it.

We tend to focus on what our homes look like in daylight. But what if you have showings in the evening? Well-placed lights can go a long way to creating a sense of drama and presentation. Adding a few nighttime shots to your picture reel on a home buying website can make your home stand out.

Adding solar-powered lights along the walkway leading up to your front door is a nice, eco-friendly touch.

Speaking of eco-friendly…

Of course, if you have a lawn and/or flower bed, make sure they’re properly manicured. If you don’t have those things, or are looking to add to what you already have, green options may be the way to go.

Plants and lawns require a lot of water. A few potted plants are a beautiful touch, and faux plants offer the bonus of never needing to be watered.

The same can be said for adding stones to the pathway around your home; unlike soil and grass, the stones require very little upkeep. That may be appealing to a prospective homebuyer looking at your exterior and thinking about the money and sweat equity it would take to maintain.

These days, most potential homebuyers get their first impression of a home on the internet. Curb appeal has morphed into click appeal. If the first image on a home buying website isn’t visually arresting and professional, buyers will be on to the next with the swipe of a finger.

If you have the budget for it, having a professional photographer snap photos of your home can make it stand out on a home buying website and greatly increase the foot traffic to your home.

But you don’t have to spend a dime to take great pictures. If you have a recent smartphone, you have a great digital camera at your disposal. Find a tutorial on how to light, frame and edit your pictures for maximum effect. You’d be surprised how much a simple filter can enhance an otherwise bland photo.

In terms of return on investment, the inexpensive enhancements you make to improve your curb appeal can have a substantial effect on your home’s chances of getting sold sooner and at a premium price.