If you are looking to sell your home in the Birmingham metro area, then you’ve probably spent countless hours decorating and rearranging your indoor living space to make sure everything is just right before you put your house on the market.

However, have you thought about what potential buyers see before they walk in the door? Does your outdoor space reflect the same personality as your indoor space?

When listing your home for sale on the market, the first impression of your home is the outside of your home! ARC Realty has come up with a list of 10 ways to improve your curb appeal to help get buyers to look inside your home.

#1 Upgrade Your Mailbox

Your mailbox is right by the road. It’s one of the first things people see. Consider sprucing it up a bit. If the wood is weathered or the metal is rusty, replace those pieces to make your mailbox look as good as new.

If you have a standard mailbox, you could try adding a brick or stone column around it to make it sturdier and more stylish. Be sure the style matches the style of your home for the best results.

Other mailbox fixes include planting flowers around the base of the mailbox or wrapping the stand with a pretty flower garland.

#2 Paint the Front Door

Paint is one of the least expensive ways to add flair to any part of your home. Why not try something bold with the front door? It is a small area so a less traditional color can be a great choice. Consider a bright red, olive green, or butter yellow color. That splash of color can be welcoming and attract the eye right to the entrance of your home.

While you’re at it, don’t feel like you have to stop with the front door. You can add a new coat of paint to the rest of your house and really up the curb appeal. A new color can really change the way you see your home.

#3 Pressure Wash Siding and Decks

All of the dust and pollen that accumulate on your home can really detract from it’s beauty. A pressure washer is the perfect solution for cleaning your decks and siding. All of a sudden your old house will look brand new again. Make sure you use the propers setting on the pressure washer so that you don’t damage your exterior. Use the lowest setting possible that still removes the dirt.

#4 Install New Hardware

Shiny, new hardware will greatly improve the overall look of the outside of your home. You can add a new doorknob and kick plate to your front door, new house numbers to the exterior, and even a new porch light. These small touches give the impression that someone lives there that really cares about their surroundings.

#5 Add Color by Planting Flowers

Flowers are a beautiful way to add color to your home and improve your curb appeal. You can plant flower beds in your yard, hang window boxes from your windows, or use planters on either side of your front door. You can even install a hanging planter on your porch.

Want to know a secret? You don’t have to have a green thumb to improve your outdoor appearance with flowers. You can fill those window boxes and planters with artificial flowers. Some of them look very realistic and no one will know unless they try to touch them. We won’t tell!

#6 Replace Old Porch Railings and Steps

Old, weathered railings and steps aren’t just unsightly, they can be dangerous. Replace them for an easy update to your porch. If you have been using wood, consider updating your steps by covering them with stone or outdoor tile. You can even tile the entire porch for an extra pop to your curb appeal.

#7 Install Outdoor Lighting

Adding outdoor lighting along the walkway to your home creates a warm and inviting path for your visitors to follow. It also helps keep them safe by lighting their way and helping avoid any falls. There are many different types of lighting to choose from. Solar lighting is a nice, inexpensive option, but if you want a brighter light go with electric.

#8 Add Some Art Pieces

Don’t be afraid to decorate outside. There are so many options available. For your porch area you can hang art directly on the outside walls of your home. Old tin signs are a great look for an older more traditional home. A really popular look today is hanging a large wooden initial on your door or the wall beside your door. You can paint it into a trendy chevron pattern, a pastel color to match your other outside decor, or in the color of your favorite sports team.

In the garden, add a sculptural feature, such as a bird bath or gazing ball. Remember, less is more so don’t create an area of clutter. Keep it simple and classy. Maybe even add a water feature, such as a small koi pond.

#9 Install New Shutters and a New Garage Door

It is amazing how such a minor change, like adding new shutters, can alter the overall appearance of your home. Throw in a new garage door and your home will look brand new. Make sure to purchase shutters and a garage door that complement each other. Keep the style and color the same to give a unified look to your home.

#10 Decorate with Seasonal Decor

Seasonal decor is a fun way to spruce up the curb appeal of your home. In the summer time, show your patriotic side with flags and splashes of red, white, and blue. In the fall, use small rectangular hay bales and some pumpkins to create an autumn tableau on your lawn or porch. In winter time, decorate with pinecones and twigs. Use your outdoor space as an extension of your indoor space and decorate for the holidays with wreaths and bows. In the springtime, flowers are the way to go. Flowered door wreaths and spring topiaries really make a statement.

Trying to Sell Your Home? ARC Realty Can Help!

Are you trying to sell your home? Let the professional real estate agents at ARC Realty help! Contact us today to get paired with a real estate agent in Birmingham who can help you with every part of the home selling process.