Making Your Home Look Great Without Spending Lots of Money in New Lenox, IL
When people see your home for the first time, you want them to think, “Wow, that looks
nice!” Even if you don’t have a lot of money to spend, you can do some easy things to
make your home look better from the outside. Here are some ideas:
Make Your Yard Look Nice
Your yard is the first thing people see. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to make it
look good. Start by cleaning up: cut the tall bushes, pull out weeds, and make the edges
of your lawn neat. Plant flowers or bushes that are easy to take care of and that look
good in your area. Putting down mulch in your flower beds makes them look neat and
helps your plants stay moist. You can put solar lights in your yard to light up the
path or show off parts of your yard without having to pay for electricity.
A Little Paint Goes a Long Way
Paint can make a big difference. Painting your front door, window frames, or shutters
can make your home look fresh and new. Choose colors that go well with your house
and that most people would like. Even just touching up where the old paint is coming off
can make a big difference. You can paint your mailbox or put down a colorful
welcome mat for an extra touch.
Update Your Door and Window Hardware
Changing old doorknobs, house numbers, and mailboxes can make your home look
more modern. Choose pieces that match and look good with the style of your house.
Although, this may not cost much, it can make your home look much better. If you
don’t want to buy new things, you can clean what you have or paint it to make it look
new.
Light It Up
Good lighting can make your home feel welcoming and safe. Solar lights are great. In fact, they are easy to put up and do not run on electric. Use them to light up the path to your door or to show off parts of your yard. Lastly, changing old lights near your door or garage to something more modern can also make a big difference. The goal is to have a nice, soft light that makes your home look great at night.
Add Your Own Touch
Small personal touches can make your home look special. Try a new mailbox that
stands out, cool house numbers, or a seasonal wreath on your door. Putting flower pots
near your front door adds color and makes your home feel welcoming. These small
things don’t cost much but can make a big difference in how your home looks to others.
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to make your home look nicer. With some
creativity and a bit of work, you can make your home the nicest one on the block!
Architectural digest says that “about 75% of sellers see an ROI of 5% to 15% over the asking price when they choose to stage their homes before they put them up for sale.”
Transform Your Home with My Expert Guidance
When you choose Joanna Bruno as your realtor in New Lenox, IL, you’re not just getting a skilled professional to help you buy or sell your home; you’re gaining a dedicated partner committed to
showcasing your home at its absolute best. I understand the pivotal role curb appeal
plays in attracting potential buyers and securing the best possible deal for your home.
That’s why I offer a unique, hands-on service where I personally walk through your
property, offering tailored pointers and actionable strategies to elevate your home’s
street-side appeal without overspending.
Having worked with hundreds of homeowners, I’ve developed a keen eye for cost-
effective improvements that make a real difference. Whether it’s advising on the right
color for your front door, suggesting the perfect low-maintenance landscaping, or
identifying minor upgrades that offer major returns, I’m here to guide you every step of
the way. My expertise in enhancing curb appeal on a budget has not only helped clients
sell their homes faster but also maximized their sale price. Proving that a small
investment in curb appeal can yield significant rewards.
Choose me as your real estate agent, and let’s unlock the full potential of your home
together. I am the top realtor in Will County
The Do’s & Don’ts of Curb Appeal
As a local real estate agent, having a solid understanding and application of curb appeal
can significantly impact the first impression potential buyers have of a property. Here
are some do’s and don’ts to guide homeowners in enhancing their property’s curb
appeal.
Do’s of Curb Appeal
1. Maintain the Lawn and Garden:
- Keep the lawn regularly mowed, watered, and fertilized.
- Plant flowers or shrubs that add color and life to the front yard.
- Mulch garden beds to give a neat and tidy appearance.
2. Refresh the Front Door and Entryway:
- Paint the front door in a welcoming color that complements the house.
- Ensure the doorbell, locks, and handles are in working order and look new.
- Add a welcome mat and consider potted plants on either side of the door.
3. Upgrade the Mailbox and House Numbers:
- Replace outdated or worn mailboxes with a new one that matches the style of the home.
- Ensure house numbers are visible, stylish, and reflect the property’s character.
4. Focus on Good Lighting:
- Install landscape lighting to highlight walkways and beautiful landscaping elements.
- Ensure the porch light is bright and inviting for evening viewings.
5. Keep the Exterior Clean and Well-Maintained:
- Power wash the siding, windows, and walkways to remove dirt and grime.
- Repair any damaged exterior features such as siding, roofing, or windows.
Don’ts of Curb Appeal
1. Neglecting Repairs:
Don’t overlook minor repairs that can become major eyesores, like cracked walkways or peeling paint.
2. Overdoing Decorations:
Avoid cluttering the yard with too many decorations, which can distract from the home’s natural charm.
3. Ignoring the Roof:
Don’t forget to inspect and clean the roof; missing or damaged shingles can deter potential buyers.
4. Letting Personal Style Dominate:
Keep personal touches minimal; what appeals to you might not appeal to potential buyers. Aim for a broad appeal.
5. Forgetting the Backyard:
Don’t focus all your efforts on the front and neglect the backyard. A tidy and inviting backyard can seal the deal for many buyers.
When you hire Joanna Bruno as your realtor, I make sure the exterior of your home looks inviting and is clean at NO expense to you. I hire a power washing company to clean the whole exterior of your home including your roof, siding & concrete!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it worth updating your house before selling?
A: Not always. Small updates can help, but major renovations might not pay off. Talk to a realtor for specific advice.
Q: How can I make my house worth more before selling it?
A: Two key things to focus on to increase your house’s value before selling:
- Curb appeal: Boost that first impression with fresh paint, landscaping, and minor exterior updates.
- Small improvements: Update fixtures, repaint walls in neutral colors, and declutter for a clean and modern feel.
Q: What adds the most resale value to a house?
A: In terms of resale value, focus on improvements with high return on investment (ROI). Here’s the breakdown:
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Top ROI: Exterior upgrades like replacing your garage door, front door, or siding tend to recoup over 100% of the cost. Even a fresh coat of paint can boost value.
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Kitchen and bath updates: While kitchens and baths are popular reno projects, they might not fully recoup costs. Consider smaller improvements like new fixtures or appliances.
It’s always best to talk to a local top real estate agent like Joanna Bruno who will guide you in the right direction.
Q: Should I fix things in my house before selling?
A: If you’re wondering “can I sell my house without making repairs”, well, technically, repairs are not required to sell a house in Illinois.
Fix necessary repairs before selling your house. This includes things that could break the deal for a buyer or show poorly during an inspection, like leaky faucets.
For other repairs, consider the cost vs. benefit. Small cosmetic updates like painting or replacing outdated hardware can be a good investment. Major renovations may not be.
Lastly, When looking to sell your home in New Lenox, IL. make sure to consult with the Top Realtor like, Joanna Bruno to get your home sold for top dollar without having to do unnecessary repairs.
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