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Home Sales: Using Building Materials to Improve Curb Appeal Value

Posted by Tony Gilbert | Fri, Aug 25, 2017 @ 09:45 AM

improve curb appeal valueNo matter how great they feel about the interior, people wanting to sell their homes still need to ensure the exterior does its job in getting buyers to book a viewing. Homeowners who improve curb appeal value add a 12 percent increase in home value — more than any other remodeling project according to the National Association of Realtors.

Even with the promise of a strong ROI, homeowners may wonder how to ramp up the exterior without breaking the bank. The solution lies in establishing a DIY plan and purchasing items at building supply centers.

Look at the Big Picture

Sellers should think about the next home they want to own. They may have already bought it, or are in the process of closing, so they probably know what it looks like. How does it look from the street? Does it have chipped paint or unkempt shrubs? …Hardly.

It probably looks like a photo out a magazine which was done by design. Sellers can follow suit to attract buyers to all that their home has to offer.  

Improve Curb Appeal Value with a Solid Strategy

Now that sellers are ready to address curb appeal, it is important to develop a strategy and complete the most important projects within an established budget. If sellers are willing to get their hands dirty and spend a little time, tackling yard and exterior improvements can be extremely cost effective.

Ideas to Get Started

improve curb appeal valueDrive by the Home with an Objective Eye — It is not easy for most homeowners to see their property in this manner.

Sellers should drive by their own home as if they were first-time viewers. They should also snap photographs and address the top 3 – 5 issues that adversely affect curb appeal. 

HGTV recommends that homeowners examine the look of the roof, trees and sides of the house. Asking a friend or relative to drive by and provide feedback can also help determine how much exterior work is needed.  

Be Mindful of the Online Factor — HGTV notes that 88 percent of homebuyers start their search on the web. With this in mind, it is important to improve curb appeal value early in the game before it is photographed for the online listing.

The Important Numbers and Potential Results

Understanding the cost of different types of projects will generally direct the decision-making process, barring any glaring problems with the home's exterior.

Most building supply centers have experienced staff working the pro desks and departments such as millworks (doors and windows) to help homeowners make informed decisions. In addition, salespeople working in outside garden can advise on which fast-growing plants will fill voids in the least amount of time.

  • Paint Matters — Whether the home's trim or shutters need touching up or something more extensive, a $25 gallon of paint can add freshness to any home's appearance. Paint over unusual exterior colors such as lavender with something more universal. Manufacturers are now blending primers with finish coats, so be sure to ask about the most convenient products.
  • Clear the Clutter — Staging is just as critical on the outside as it is on the inside. Anything that obstructs or clutters the outside should be sold, recycled, discarded or stored out of sight. This step is free, simple and completely worth the homeowner’s time. 
  • Grass Is Cash — Sellers looking for a seriously “green” ROI can reseed the lawn or consider laying down new sod to help expedite a quick sale. If investing in a total lawn makeover is not feasible, installing a shortcut sprinkler system and keeping a lawn trimmed will improve curb appeal value.

Additional Investments

Spending tens of thousands of dollars on labor and building materials may not be in the budget, but it is important to invest a little in home improvements to realize the 12 percent return mentioned above. Some curb appeal investments are indeed costly, but others are free or inexpensive: 

  • Clear the gutters. 
  • Replace old, rusty lighting fixtures as well as railings on stairs and decks.
  • Keep the blinds in common areas like the living room and kitchen open at night to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for night-time viewing.  
  • Plant flowers and shrubs and accent them with inexpensive solar lighting.

Final Thoughts

In the absence of a large budget, simply addressing all of the sweat equity factors and buying the basics such as paint, flowers and grass seed will be noticed by potential buyers who will eagerly make an offer.

These are just a few examples of how to improve curb appeal value. With a budget and shopping list in hand, sellers can rely on building supply dealers to advise on the most cost-effective items to attain the desired results.

Furthermore, working with building supply dealers who offer convenient payment terms is also part of the value process. CrossCheck’s Multiple Check program is a “smart payment solution” that gives homeowners a little extra time to fund their upgrades. The program is simple to use.

Homeowners write two-to-four checks bearing the same purchase date and select the dates for each deposit over 30 days. They take their items home on the day of purchase, making it better than layaway, while building supply centers receive guaranteed funding with each check deposit. Homeowners don’t need to apply for credit because Multiple Check is not financing. Building supply dealers can download our free guide to learn more.

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Tony Gilbert is the owner of The RealFX Group. Tony specializes in real estate, real estate marketing, managing his team and achieving set goals.

Topics: Building Materials

Written by Tony Gilbert

Tony Gilbert is the owner of The RealFX Group. Tony specializes in real estate, real estate marketing, managing his team and achieving set goals.