How to Boost Curb Appeal in an Older Home

by Allison E. Beatty

Curb appeal is an important element of any home, whether you are selling, renovating, or just want to improve your home's appearance. When working with an older home, look to the architecture first.

As you focus on creating curb appeal, examine the exterior of your house for interesting architectural details to highlight. If your home has a front porch, this can provide the perfect place to start. Many older homes have interesting porches that can become a stunning focal point. By cleaning, painting, and repairing an old porch, you can do wonders to the curb appeal of your home.

Also, examine your roofline and windows for arches, curves, or other details that can spruce up. If your home's facade looks a little worn, a fresh coat of paint can go a long way. Choose accent colors for windows, doors, and shutters to add contrast.

Adding Curb Appeal with Landscaping
Another important element is your landscaping. A well-defined yard with carved flowerbeds and clean edging around sidewalks and driveways can increase your home's curb appeal dramatically. Whether doing the work yourself or hiring a landscaper, look at the overall yard and how it blends with and sets off the house.

Walk to your sidewalk and look at the landscaping around your front door or porch. Does it draw your eyes to the door? Are the trees or shrubs large enough to balance the height of the house? Will a quick trim help add curb appeal or is a major overhaul in order?

If your front yard is all grass, carve out a few planting beds to soften the scale of the home. A few flowering shrubs and spring-colored annuals will do the trick and can be added quickly.

You can add curb appeal to an older home in a variety of ways. Examine the lines of your house carefully and look for those key spots to highlight. Then focus on cleaning, painting, and landscaping. You'll be creating curb appeal for the whole world to see.

Sources
"Adding Curb Appeal: 6 Ways to Spruce Up the Yard," Realtor Magazine
"Curb Appeal Sells Homes, Survey Says," Realtor Magazine

About the Author
Allison E. Beatty is a syndicated real estate writer who has been writing home improvement columns for 15 years.