Have you ever heard the saying that you can't make a first impression twice?
Well, when it comes to your home, the curb appeal is often the first impression people get. We have some ideas on how to increase the value of your Arizona home and make it stand out!
On our blog and YouTube channel, we love discussing all things related to homes and our local community that expands from Bullhead City, Fort Mohave, Mohave Valley to Laughlin.
In this post, we're going to share 10 ways you can instantly improve the curb appeal of your Arizona home. Some of these tips are super easy, while others may require a bit more planning. But before we dive in, let me address a few administrative matters.
Curious about enhancing the curb appeal of your home in Mohave County, Arizona?
You might be wondering why this blog focuses specifically on making your Arizona residence look fabulous. Isn't curb appeal a universal concept that applies throughout the United States? The answer is both yes and no! While individuals outside of Arizona can still benefit from and apply many of these ideas, it's important to consider the unique factors present in our state. In Arizona, rocks often serve as our preferred outdoor decoration due to the exorbitant cost of maintaining lush green grass seen on TV. Additionally, adorable summer flower planters are likely to wither under the scorching heat experienced during our summers. Hence, we approach these curb appeal suggestions with an understanding of the realities associated with living in Arizona!
Curb Appeal should not be the sole focus when selling your Bullhead City (or neighboring community) home.
Although it plays a significant role in attracting potential buyers to your property, there are other crucial factors to consider. If you are interested in obtaining our complimentary guide on preparing your home for listing this fall, simply click here.
Familiarize Yourself with the Guidelines (Prior to Commencing)
Ultimately, it is worth noting that Arizona has a prevalent presence of Homeowners Associations. These associations frequently establish regulations pertaining to the exterior modifications of residential properties. It is imperative that you thoroughly review your HOA's CC&Rs and additional governing documents before fully embracing the suggestions presented in this post. I genuinely detest the possibility of you taking action only to promptly reverse it.
Idea #1: Give your Yard an instant Facelift with a Leaf Blower.
Do you possess a leaf blower? Fantastic! If not, either ask your neighbor for a favor, rent one at the local Lowes or Home Depot, or consider enlisting the services of a professional landscaper to tackle the task. If it's been quite some time since the yard has experienced some TLC, you'll likely be eliminating leaves, dead flowers, a layer of sand, and other unwanted debris which will instantly enhance the appearance of your yard. Additionally, if you own outdoor furniture, it is advisable to have it blown off and thoroughly wiped clean as well.
Idea #2: Top Off the Rocky Landscape
You can opt for professional help, leave this task in their capable hands, or roll up your sleeves and do it yourself to refresh the rocks in your house's landscape. Any bare areas or sparse sections where you see dirt in the landscape rocks need to be filled in or evenly redistributed.
If you plan on distributing the rocks yourself, why not entice friends with pizza and beer as it is a labor-intensive job?! Treat them especially if you need to borrow their truck, wheelbarrow, shovels, and any rakes. Hopefully, you have a heavy-duty truck but you can always enlist some help or the local landscape rock supplier may provide a delivery and installation service. Additionally, be prepared as it usually requires more rock than anticipated.
Idea #3: Give those Outdoor Plants some TLC
Make sure to elevate your plants from the ground and keep them clear of the house. It’s truly remarkable how much of a difference it makes when you take the time to care for your trees and shrubs. And while you’re at it, be sure to get rid of any dead leaves and foliage.
Remember, a lot of our desert plants have thorns, so please take precautions and wear the right protective gear. It’s a win-win situation. Not only will your yard look better, but trimming your trees and bushes will also prepare you for the monsoon season (mid-June through the end of September). When you’re selling your home, it’s one less thing to worry about on the inspection report.
Idea #4: Can a Fresh Coat of Paint or Touch Ups Help?
If your exterior paint is still in good condition, focus on these key areas for a quick and impactful update. Give your front and garage doors a fresh coat of paint, if it's overdue. Don’t forget about your side gate too, if it’s visible from the street. The wooden slats take a beating from the Arizona sun. If you're not selling your house any time soon but want to make home improvements, consider switching to low-maintenance composite slats for a longer-lasting, brand-new look.
Idea #5: Get Ready to Sell Your Arizona Home by Decluttering the Yard.
As a seller, you want to improve your curb appeal by getting rid of unnecessary items and keeping your yards tidy. Potential buyers appreciate low-maintenance features in desert environments.
Front yard cleanup: Remove any personal items like old lawn decorations, hoses, bins, and ladders to create a clean and inviting space. The buyer's perception of your home, when they first drive by when it's spotless is that you've maintained the house throughout the time you've lived there... therefore, building their confidence in any need for repairs after moving in. From organizing the front patio to checking on the little things like your street numbers being legible and easily visible. Think, "How can you make your property attractive before that potential buyer even walks inside the front door?!"
Backyard cleanup: Don't just move the clutter from the front yard to the backyard. Use that storage bin if you own one! Do you have a backyard kitchen or grill area that needs decluttering? What can you clear out to improve the look and space of that area? Any stains on the concrete that you can remove?
Idea #6: Restore the Home to its Former Glory with a Good Power Wash
It's important to make sure the exterior is just as clean as the interior. Consider using a pressure washer to clean the exterior of your home, driveway, and walkway. It's also a good idea to have the roof and gutters pressure washed, but it's important to prioritize safety and avoid damaging the roof. I suggest hiring a professional for this task to ensure the job is done safely and effectively. Remove what's been accumulating over time... the grime, debris, cobwebs, and dead critters. Eeek!
Idea #7: Wash Windows
When selling your home in Arizona, it is important to ensure clean windows both inside and outside, especially after pressure washing the exterior. Polish those windows after pressure washing because dust and hard water spots can appear quickly here.
Idea #8: Exterior Hardware and Fixtures Need Updating?
The intense Arizona heat and sunlight can cause wear and tear on the outside of our homes. It's important to inspect and update the hardware and fixtures on the exterior of your home, such as the front door, light fixtures, address numbers, and more. If they appear worn out, consider repairing or replacing them to give your home a fresh look.
Idea #9: Illuminate It
Take a look at the front of your house at night. Do you think it needs more light? Incorporating lighting can create a more welcoming and secure atmosphere. You can upgrade the bulbs in your current light fixtures or consider installing lights along your pathway or spotlights on your landscaping. This is a cost-effective way to increase the perceived value of your home. With plenty of sunlight in Arizona, you can opt for affordable solar-powered lights to achieve the desired impact.
Idea #10: Get Rid of the Lawn (Maybe)
Maintaining grass in Arizona can be very costly, and even with careful attention, it can still end up looking dry and neglected. It's just not fair, I understand.
Having grass in your front yard in Arizona could deter potential buyers who view it as an unnecessary expense and added effort. So, if you are intent on keeping your grass, I recommend increasing your watering and care routine while your home is on the market, to keep it looking as healthy as possible. If you're not committed to keeping the grass, consider replacing it with artificial turf or filling the area with rocks or other plants instead.
So, that's it! What do you think? Is your home's curb appeal up to par? Are there some changes you could make to make it more attractive? Just a heads up, if you implement all 10 of these ideas, your neighbors might be a little envious of your curb appeal.
