In real estate, a good first impression is key. And you only have one real chance to get it right... If the outside of a house looks welcoming, more people will want to come in and see it. By creating a welcome exterior, you're far more likely to get buyers in the door to see the rest of your hard work.
Curb Appeal
Curb appeal plays a significant role in tackling any outdoor project. Among REALTORS®, 92% have suggested sellers improve their curb appeal before listing a home for sale. When working with a residential seller, 97% of NAR members believe curb appeal is important in attracting a buyer (75% very important, 22% somewhat important). Ninety-eight percent believe curb appeal is important to a potential buyer (63% very important, 34% somewhat important).
Among National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) members, 92% found a greater demand for contracting in remodeling work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, 79% of NALP members cited the scope of the project increased in size since before the pandemic.
While most consumers (88%) cite they would have taken on the outdoor project regardless of the pandemic, 84% of consumers reported that after undertaking this exterior project, it made them want to remodel other areas of their home or yard.
Remodeling
When consumers remodel, it is to add features and improve livability (35%), to upgrade worn-out surfaces, finishes, and materials (24%), and because it is time for a change (18%). Most consumers are satisfied with the overall result, and 66% would tackle the project the same way, while 28% would make a few different choices, such as finishes or materials.
After remodeling, 68% of owners have a greater desire to be in their homes. Sixty percent have increased enjoyment in their home. Fifty-two percent feel happy, and 45% feel satisfied when they see their completed project, with a typical Joy Score of 9.7. Sixty-four percent feel a major sense of accomplishment when they think of their completed project.
Thirty-seven percent reported that the single-most- important result was beauty and aesthetics, 29% cited better functionality and livability, and 11% reported durable and long-lasting results and materials.
Forty percent of consumers did the entire project themselves, including labor and purchasing materials. Thirty-seven percent of the owners hired a professional for the whole job, 13% contributed some do-it-yourself (DIY) labor, and 10% hired the labor but purchased the materials.
Bottom Line
Your agent helps you by giving advice on what you may want to prioritize, finding easy fixes that make a big difference, knowing what buyers in your area like, and showing off your updates in your listing.
Connect with Forza so you have expert advice on what'll have the biggest impact in your area.