While the groundhog predicted an early spring, we still have a few remaining days of frost on the calendar. The first week of March in the Piedmont will have a few evenings where the temperatures dip below freezing, but March has days forecasted for the 60-70 degree temperatures. These days are an opportune time to spruce up your landscaping efforts, especially if you are selling this spring.

What is curb appeal?

Curb appeal can be defined as the attractiveness of your home from the street. It applies to landscaping, outdoor fixtures, street or sidewalk, and driveway. While completely subjective, it’s important that you don't kid yourself, buyers care about and are taking in the vibrancy of the paint and condition of the siding and roof and windows.

There are few reasons why curb appeal is important:

This is your one chance to make a good first impression
Beside subjective attractiveness, you can save on cooling or heating costs with strategic placement of trees or shrubs
Deterring criminals with shrubs or bushes in front of windows and the maintenance and upkeep let them know the home is occupied
Attracting buyers who appreciate that the home is well cared for, from the moment they drive past

In the 2018 National Association of Realtors: Remodeling Impact Report of Outdoor Features, 94% of realtors suggest to sellers that they improve their curb appeal before listing the home. Their report included a joy factor of different landscaping projects. The top projects home buyers expressed the most interest in included a fire feature or outdoor irrigation system.

Why should curb appeal matter to a seller?

The Association for Psychological Science states that it takes about a tenth of a second to make a first impression. So, consider curb appeal as part of the marketing to sell your home and it sets expectations to the buyer even before stepping foot in the home.

Quick Ways to Curb Appeal

If you are selling your home this spring here are a few easy and inexpensive ways to add curb appeal to your property:

Mow the lawn. Define and mulch the garden beds
Purchase a new welcome mat
Put a potted plant to the side of the front door
Make sure your house number is freshly painted or polished
Wash the windows and wipe down the lighting fixtures

These simple and low-cost elements will increase the attraction to your home and demonstrate a level of care and maintenance.

Supplies to add Curb Appeal

There are many small businesses you can support this spring when working on landscaping or adding curb appeal. While Home Depot, Lowes, and Walmart are often go-tos for their variety of supplies, here are a few other local options to consider:

Cary

Garden Supply Company

1421 Old Apex Rd, Cary, NC 27513

https://gardensupplyco.com/

Carrboro

Fifth Season Gardening Company

106 S Greensboro St D, Carrboro, NC 27510

http://fifthseasongardening.com/

Chapel Hill

Piedmont Feed & Garden Center

4805 N Carolina Hwy 54 W, Chapel Hill, NC 27516

https://www.piedmontfeed.com/