Although the current Atlanta housing market is strong, and particularly advantageous for sellers, it’s always a good idea to add value through features that will help fetch top price.
Curb Appeal is an absolute factor and sometimes a deal maker or deal breaker and should never be underestimated. “First impressions are truly everything, and curb appeal is what potential buyers notice first”, says Sarah.
Curb Appeal or lack thereof, gives potential buyers an automatic “feeling” about the house and informs how they are going to view the interior. We also know that in less robust markets, lack of curb appeal can keep potential buyers from getting out of the car entirely.
Carefully constructed curb appeal also telegraphs and sets expectations of the potential buyers as to what they can expect from the rest of the house. Think of it as a formal, yet intimate introduction to your home.
Getting Started
There are a host of things you can do to add curb appeal, value, and personal enjoyment to your home on the outside. Assess the back yard, front yard, side yards reviewing all the spaces you have to work with.
Here are some of the most popular options. Most of which are affordable and offer a good ROI (Return on Investment). For a complete list of Chatel Group’s tried and true professionals to help you, visit their Concierge Page on their website.
Trees
One of the quickest and most impactful way to increase curb appeal and value is to plant trees. Trees can add up to $10,000 to your home’s value. But critically important is to know WHERE to plant. Trees have roots and grow quickly in our Atlanta climate, so you need to be mindful of septic systems, driveway and the house itself.
You also need to be keenly aware of how big the tree is likely to get. “We see this again and again, where the trees very quickly can dwarf the house and actually detract as opposed to compliment the house”, Sarah says, Check with the UGA Extension Website for all sorts of information and growing guides for plants and trees.
Walkways
Clearly defining walkways are an easy and surefire way to create a warm welcoming and a statement. You can define the space with pavers in a huge variety of sizes, shapes and designs. Look for what compliments the style of your home and check out Chatel Group’s earlier Blog Post on Style of Architecture.
Plant flowers for pops of color on either side and add pathway lights for nighttime interest and drama.
Healthy Lawn
A well-maintained lawn with healthy grass is essential to curb appeal. There is just no substitute for a lawn in good shape. The same goes for well-maintained, weed free beds and trimmed trees and bushes. These elements will help your home sell for top dollar, so completely worth your investment in time and money.
Depending on your shade and sun exposure you can choose the best options. Check out LAWNLOVE’s Article, 7 Best Grass Types for Atlanta.
Irrigation
Protecting and caring for the trees, lawn, shrubs, and flowers you are adding WILL require an irrigation system. This is ATLANTA! Expensive? Yes, they can be but with all the time you are saving, it’s a no brainer. An added bonus to installing an irrigation system is that when used properly can dramatically reduce your lawn watering bills, and it has an ROI of approximately 85% which is a great incentive for adding one.
Check back next time for PART TWO of our SERIES where we will reveal the best ways to increase your home’s value through curb appeal.
Sarah and Lisa would love to help you assess your curb appeal and offer suggestions and resources to help you. Contact them today and get your plans together.
