What is Curb Appeal and Does it Really Matter in Texas?

Curb appeal is a home’s first impression. Imagine driving through a neighborhood filled with a variety of houses.
One has fresh paint, a white picket fence with a large oak tree, and a perfectly manicured lawn. A few doors down there’s a home with chipping paint, broken shutter, an overgrown lawn, and a broken-down car parked in the driveway.
Think about the appeal of these two homes. If they both went on the market at the same time and for the same price, the first home would attract far more buyers — even if the interiors were identical.
The Importance of Curb Appeal
The name “curb appeal” is a reference to the attractiveness and appeal of a home from the street, or the curb. It is a commonly used term in home buying and selling and its importance cannot be understated. In listing photos, home showings and open houses, the exterior view of your home is the first thing prospective buyers will see.
Even in the midst of the Coronavirus crisis, home sales in Texas are holding steady. In a market where most homes are getting multiple offers in the first few weeks of listing, it could be safe to say that this appeal is less important than in stale markets. But just because the market is good doesn’t mean that exterior appearances don’t matter in the Lone Star State.
Selling a home is stressful and brings a lot of unknowns. Putting in some work to increase the appeal of your home before you list can help your home sell more quickly and for a higher price.
Increasing Exterior Appeal
Whether you are hoping to sell your home or just want to increase the outside appeal of your home to enjoy for yourself, here are some tips to help your home make a better first impression:
- A fresh coat of paint can work wonders for the exterior of your home. A quick touch-up might do the trick, but if your house is a funky color or is really worn, consider re-painting it all. Go for timeless colors like white and black and various neutrals. If new paint isn’t in the budget, pressure washing the outside can really help spruce things up.
- Focus on the landscaping and do some updating. Plant fresh flowers, trim the trees and cut the grass. Large trees and shrubs directly in front of the house can make the house look smaller so if your front landscaping is too heavy it might be best to cut them back or remove them altogether.
- Pay attention to the details . Although they seem small and insignificant, the little details of your home’s exterior can make all the difference in exterior appeal. Replace or clean up the light fixtures, mailbox, and fence. Add new house numbers and get a new rug, chair, or swing for the front porch.
HGTV has some more ideas and photographed examples of exterior appeal in Texas here .
Sell Your Home to Joe Homebuyer Dallas
Poor curb appeal got you feeling down? Joe Homebuyer Dallas can help. We buy homes in any condition, exterior appeal, or none, for cash. It’s as easy as a phone call to gather a little bit of information, and then you’ll have a cash offer in a few days. We can close on any day of your choosing, allowing you to find a home with an appeal that dreams are made of. We buy houses in Dallas, Texas, and surrounding Dallas County cities. Contact us today !


