If you’re trying to sell your house, the curb appeal can really make—or break—a sale. Tackling your entire landscape may seem daunting, but starting with these tasks can help make your yard look fresh and inviting, according to CNNMoney.com.
Mulch. A fresh layer of mulch provides visual contrast and makes foliage and flowers more eye-catching. Even if you aren’t selling, mulch keeps water in the soil and provides nutrients to keep your plants healthier all year long.
Check with your garden center to see how much mulch you might need. Bagged mulch from your local store might be all that’s needed for a smaller project, but many average size yards take a bit more. Consider having a local landscape supply company deliver mulch to your home instead. The added bonus for local mulch is that it has a lower chance of introducing invasive diseases or insects into your garden–something that can be more likely from bagged mulch coming from miles away.
Mulch is simple to add. First use a garden spade to cut a clean edge around your beds. Once ready, use a shovel, then pitch fork or rake to incorporate a level mulch bed at least a two-inches thick.
Seal decks and fences. All outdoor woodwork needs protection from elements. Sealing with stain is a good way to go. Paint requires scraping and sanding every time you need to refresh the area. Invest in premium oil-based stain—it will soak into the wood and minimize prep work for your next coat. Purchase stain that contains UV (ultraviolet) blockers to prevent sun damage to the wood.
Before staining, use a wood cleaner and a soft-bristled brush to remove dirt and mildew. As an alternative a power washer will do the trick. If you don’t own a power washer, they can be rented for about $50 to $100 per day.
Touch up paint. Peeling paint makes your house look neglected and lets UV light damage wood siding. Light damage leads to more peeling paint off, and a more extensive and expensive project.
It’s tempting to skimp and buy cheaper paint ($17 to $22 a gallon). Instead, splurge and purchase a more expensive paint ($30 to $48 a gallon). The high-quality pigments and binders in top-of-the-line paint make it last five or more years longer than economy products. Use water-based paint—it’s easier to use and more environmentally friendly than oil-based products. But purchase oil-based primer to make the paint stick better.
If your house exterior has more than just a few spots that need touching up, you probably need a full-blown paint job. House painters typically won’t do touchups unless they’re fixing a previous paint job of their own. A handyman can help with touch-up painting.
Do it yourself projects. Doing these jobs yourself can save money, but hiring a professional can be worth it too. If working outdoors isn’t your forte, or your not sure about a specific aspect of the updates, find a handyman or contractor to do these jobs at a reasonable cost.
Once the bigger projects are completed, make sure to do the upkeep. Mow and edge the lawn on a regular basis, trim hedges and plant flowers. If your yard doesn’t look well-maintained, buyers will assume your home isn’t either–and they could drive by without even taking a look inside.
If you’re looking for a new home while trying to sell your current one, Liberty Savings can help with all your financing needs. Stop by or call us today at 201-659-3900.