In the competitive real estate market of Portland, where stunning landscapes and vibrant neighborhoods abound, the power of curb appeal is evident in almost every listing.
Portland has an extremely low inventory of available homes, especially when compared to how many people want to buy homes. As of January 2023, there was only a 2.6 month supply of homes for sale. All this means, despite high interest rates, Portland is still a seller’s market.
But that doesn’t mean you should let your home’s condition take a back seat. In the Portland market, stunning landscapes and vibrant neighborhoods abound, which is why curb appeal plays a front-and-center role in selling a home.
There’s tremendous opportunity in properly preparing your home for the market, too: you’ll sell faster and for a higher price than those who don’t. In this article, we’ll discuss the power of curb appeal when selling your home.
1. Strong First Impressions
Your home’s exterior is one of your best marketing tools! The exterior of your home is the first thing potential buyers will see, and it sets the tone for their whole viewing experience. Attractive landscaping and visual appeal from the street to the front door gives these buyers just a taste of the beauty and creativity they’ll find throughout the home and backyard.
2. Increased Buyer Interest
The condition of your home’s exterior determines how many people will take a second look, schedule a viewing, and ultimately make an offer. On average, homes with well-kept landscaping sell for 7%-14% more than similar homes with exterior blemishes or unattractive front yards.
3. Higher Perceived Value
Many buyers associate the exterior appearance with the overall quality and condition of your property. If the outside looks good, they’ll feel confident they’re making a sound investment. This translates to higher offers and a better selling price. And for sellers, landscape investments provide a 100%+ return on investment, which is why over 92% of realtors recommend you invest in curb appeal before you list your home.
4. Faster Sales
Homes with strong curb appeal sell faster than those with neglected exteriors. When a property stands out positively in online listings or during drive-by viewings, it can prompt potential buyers to schedule showings promptly. Which means you deal with fewer showings and don’t have long-term “perfect house” maintenance.
5. Emotional Connection
Curb appeal can create an emotional connection between the buyer and the property. When buyers are emotionally drawn to a home from the moment they lay eyes on it, they are more likely to envision themselves living there and develop a strong desire to make it their own. Instead of seeing themselves fixing things up and investing in changes, they feel confident they can move in and start enjoying from day one.
What are the best investments to increase curb appeal?
The National Association of Realtors Research Group and other studies found that when you invested in the care and upkeep of these exterior items, you’ll get the best return on investment:
- Start early and hire a lawn care service to fertilize and treat weeds so things are vibrant and green for pictures.
- Add fresh mulch, trim your shrubs, and plant trees where appropriate.
- Give your front door a fresh coat of paint and determine you need new hardware.
- Make sure your entrance is safely lit and feels secure.
- Clean your windows so they shine and clear out your gutters.
- Consider adding a rain garden or a few raised beds. Portland is crazy about gardening!
The power of curb appeal is worth your time and effort, and can significantly improve your chances of attracting potential buyers more quickly and maximizing the value of your property. Once your buyer moves in, you can be confident they’ll love where they live, have no regrets about their investment, and have a great foundation for building great relationships with their neighbors.