Improve Your DC Home’s Curb Appeal
Make a good first impression by improving your home’s curb appeal.
The first look buyers get of your home is a snapshot that will impact everything from how they feel about its condition, neighborhood and overall appeal. Make it a positive one!
How To Create Urban Curb Appeal
In a city known for its historic charm and architectural significance, buyers are often drawn to homes that exude character and curb appeal. Yet, achieving great curb appeal in Washington DC’s inner-city neighborhoods can be challenging. Rowhouses must differentiate themselves while maintaining the block’s overall character and style. Many homes have no front yard to speak of, trees are trimmed on the District’s timetable, not the home owner’s. Electrical poles and street signage can obstruct views.
But some small investments can make a big difference in how your home is perceived and ultimately how quickly it sells.
Start by tidying up
Overgrown greenery, peeling paint, dirty light fixtures and walkways make a home look uncared for. Freshen it up with these steps:
- Sweep it clean: Take a broom to walkways, steps, porch, rails and eaves
- Clean windows, shutters, canopies and sills
- Wash rails, doors and hardware
- Remove clutter from your porch and front yard
- Trim grass, bushes, hedges
- Trim vegetation along walkways
- Trim trees to a pleasing shape and size proportionate to the structure, don’t block the home’s façade and windows
- Rake leaves, remove dead plants, weed garden beds and refresh mulch
- Clean and repair storm and security doors as needed, touch up paint as needed
- Repair fences and gates if needed
- Repair porch, deck, stoop boards or concrete if needed
- Have gutters and downspouts checked, clean and make repairs and improvements as needed
- Check paint: Is it peeling, chipping or faded? Consider repainting, and be sure to follow DC Lead Paint guidelines for remediation
Bullet Points
- Clean and repair first
- Create cohesive color and design plans
- Get inspiration from experts
Caren L
While other agents said, “This is what you need to do;” The Isaacs Team said, “We can do this for you!” Our process was smooth and quick, and they designed a strategy and negotiated a sale well above our asking price; and a purchase price below asking – both in the same market.