Thanks to the internet, the world is more connected today than was even conceivable just a few decades ago. The ability to instantly communicate with someone on the other side of the Earth has opened up a realm of possibilities, which include being able to easily research a location without leaving home. This is especially beneficial for those looking to travel, but more importantly, those looking to move.
In the past, moving required either a leap of faith about the surrounding area or a specific excursion to the potential new location, where it might still be decided that this location isn’t the right fit. With the technology and usage of applications such as Google Maps, a person can virtually visit an area (almost) anywhere in the world and get an idea about the site without having to devote a great amount of time or resources just to rule a location out. For this reason, curb appeal is more important than ever. Let's discuss some other reasons why you should care about curb appeal below.
How Does Curb Appeal Affect You
Many people associate having a heightened concern over curb appeal with HOAs, investment properties, and those looking to sell their home. However, you should at least be aware of your own home’s curb appeal and maintain its allure, even if you’re not included in one of those groups. Simply put, your home’s curb appeal is no longer limited to being viewed by passersby, but now the world at large, for the most part, is able to view your property.
An attractive curb appeal can affect the value of your property by as much as 7-14%. In 2021, the median home value was determined to be roughly $269,000 and a mere 7% of that lands at a shocking $18,830. Regardless of whether or not you’re looking to sell your home, property value is still important because an appraisal is needed on your home if you decide to refinance your mortgage for lower monthly payments, or if you opt to take out a home equity line of credit or loan at any point in time. The higher your home’s appraised value, the bigger the loan that you can take out, as well as the lower the interest rate.
Curb Appeal Affects Others Too
The curb appeal of your home doesn’t just affect you and your property value, it also affects everyone in the neighborhood. Even if you do everything perfectly to maximize your curb appeal, your property value could still be harmed by neighboring homes if they are unkempt and unsightly and vice versa. However, don’t despair, because improving your home’s curb appeal is going to encourage others in your neighborhood to follow suit.
The more attractive your neighborhood is to passersby, the more likely people are to move in. As more people are attracted to your neighborhood, home values in general are likely to increase simply because of scarcity of available homes and the perceived desirability as a result of more people attempting to enter. An increasing population will likely bring more businesses and amenities to your locale as well, and thanks to the internet, and the availability of virtual tours, homes are less likely to stay on the market as long.
How Can You Begin Boosting Your Curb Appeal
If you feel like you’ve now been bit by the renovation bug and want to jump into fixing up your home’s curb appeal, you can easily begin without having to spend a cent, or leave your home thanks to the internet! Homeowners using the iScape app can visualize their own outdoor spaces to start getting a perfect plan of how to layout the yard as quickly as you get the idea. Our app even lets users share and collaborate on designs and ideas to get new perspectives, or enlist the help of an affordable and professional designer to make sure your curb appeal is at the top of the list.
