For homeowners in the Philadelphia area looking to sell their homes, you’re going to want to have your home appraised at the highest possible value. As you may already know, many things can affect your property value (in either direction) with simple home improvement projects (e.g., kitchen and bathroom renovations) helping to increase property value. However, the inside of your home isn’t all you should be paying attention to, as the outside is just as important. Here are four ways to improve the curb appeal of your home, whether you’re planning to sell or not.

#1: Replace Old Hardware

Door Knobs

Your door knobs and locksets may be out-of-date, or they may just be too dingy beyond cleaning, so a new set is one of the most inexpensive ways to boost your curb appeal. It’s a small change, yet makes a big difference. You can even update your entry door if you’d like, which will also make a big difference to the overall look of your home.

House Numbers

Updating the look of your house numbers can also make a big difference to the overall look of your home. Again, this is a small and inexpensive change, but it truly makes a big difference. If you don’t have your number on your house, consider adding it. Also, don’t forget the house numbers on your mailbox!

Light Fixtures

Replacing old lighting fixtures or adding new ones will also help boost curb appeal. Just make sure that the finishes match those of your hardware as well to keep a uniform look.

Other

Other parts of the outside of your home to consider replacing are the roof, siding, windows, and garage door— if you have one. All of these will eventually need replacing over the years, but if they’re clearly broken or in need of repair, now is the time to upgrade.

#2: Paint and/or Power Wash the Outside

If you’ve been thinking about painting your home, now may be the time if you’re trying to improve your curb appeal. Of course, you don’t want to paint your home in any color, as not all color choices boost curb appeal. You can also opt for painting the accent pieces of your home, such as the front door, window shutters, and even your mailbox.

In many cases, homes may not need a new coat of paint. Instead, they may only require power washing to remove dirt, dust, pollen, and other debris that builds up over the years. Power washing your home can help brighten the original color and save you from having to hire a painter.

#3: Keep Up With Yard Work

While the actual home itself is a big part of curb appeal, it’s important not to forget the yard. An unkempt yard is one way to turn off potential buyers and decrease your property value even if you don’t plan to sell. Simple yard work such as watering and mowing the lawn is usually enough to help boost curb appeal.

As for landscaping, elaborate landscaping isn’t necessary to significantly improve property value. You can, however, consider planting (or removing) trees, flowers, and other shrubbery that may complement your home.

#4: Add an Outdoor Gathering Area

When it comes to real estate, the kitchen is the most important room in the home because it’s one of the first rooms that potential homebuyers want to see. With that being said, when a home has more than one gathering area it becomes more desired by potential buyers— thus increasing property value. And it’s even better if you can extend your kitchen to the outdoors.

Consider adding a patio, deck, or even a grand outdoor living structure to your home/backyard. Having a full outdoor kitchen (or even just a nice grill) to go along with any of these will really take outdoor gatherings to the next level. Potential homebuyers in the Philadelphia area will love to see a home with an outdoor gathering space and will be willing to pay more for these homes.

Again, even if you’re not in the process of selling your home, you can still make one or more of these upgrades to your curb appeal. All of these upgrades will still benefit you as the current homeowner, and you can enjoy them for as long as you choose to remain in your home. As a general rule of thumb, always choose functional over luxury home upgrades (for both the interior and exterior), because functional can be just as enjoyable as luxury, and functional upgrades will almost always increase property value.