Carson Arthur’s Tips for Killer Curb Appeal

When it comes to real estate, “love at first sight” is a thing. For the home seller, a great first impression can mean thousands of extra dollars in your pocket. On the flip side, poor curb appeal can yield low-ball offers or worse, none at all. Many potential homebuyers have already made up their mind about a home, before ever setting foot inside. Celebrity landscape designer Carson Arthur offers his top three areas to invest some of those renovation dollars and boost your home’s value. (Headshot via Photo via carsonarthur.com)

There’s a reason it’s called “curb appeal.” Stand on the sidewalk and look at your home. What’s the first thing you see? This is where you need to invest some thought – and budget. “You only get one chance to make a first impression and your front yard does just that,” says Arthur. “We also now know that over 50 per cent of decisions to buy a home are made in the car parked out front.” This means your front lawn, garden and pathway should be manicured, well-maintained and inviting.

This motto is inspired by small-but-sweet urban homes, but can also be applied to any home, inside and out. “Useable spaces like decks and patios are so important in markets that have elevated prices. Buyers can’t afford all of the indoor square footage with the raised prices, so they are having to settle for smaller homes,” says Arthur. He adds that when designed properly, these outdoor living areas can be used almost all year round. It’s a trend that “buyers are jumping on to meet their families’ needs.”

Without proper lighting, even the most beautiful home won’t be visible. “Outdoor lighting in the front yard can make a huge difference,” says Arthur. “Buyers drive by homes after work! Make your home stand out by highlighting its best features with directional lighting.” Aside from making your home seen, you can use lighting as an element to showcase the walkway, gardens, the entranceway, and any other stand-out features that might pique a buyer’s interest.