Dallas is one of the hottest real estate markets in the USA, according to the Home Buying Institute. Strong demand and quick sales have put our corner of the country at the top of the list. DFW’s median home price is about $230,000, according to HSH.com. And people who predict these things expect prices to get even higher in 2017.
The importance of curb appeal
At Buzz Custom Fence, we know that our hardworking customers want to get the best price possible when selling their home. And a good-looking house and yard will help you get the most dollars.
According to our handy online dictionary, curb appeal is “the attractiveness of a property for sale and its surroundings when viewed from the street. Landscaping, the front entrance, and the condition of the paint or siding are the biggest factors in curb appeal.”
Curb appeal pays off.
Fences and curb appeal
As we saw in the above definition, your landscaping and front entrance are of paramount importance. The fence is one of the first things potential buyers see as they cruise up to your abode. The first thing they walk through? Your gate. If your gate and fence are dingy, dilapidated, with chipping paint and missing nails, well, you’re not making the best possible first impression.
So how do you evaluate –and, if necessary, restore –your fence’s curb appeal? Follow these guidelines.
Clean and repair
If your fence is fairly new and generally sound, it might just need a little pepping up. Give it a good cleaning. Check for loose boards, missing pickets or chipped paint. Restain, if necessary. Fix the problems and make it look as close to new as possible.
Add a decorative gate
Say your fence looks pretty good, but you still feel your entrance lacks pizazz. An attractive gate makes a statement. You could paint your existing wood gate a bold color, like red or purple, or add a few finials for an artistic touch. If you want a brand new custom gate, your friends at Buzz can help.
Consider a white picket fence
Nothing says “American dream” like a white picket fence. This will be a huge upgrade if you currently have a chain-link fence or something on the ramshackle side. If you’re feeling a bit more daring, try matching your picket fence to the trim color on your house. This unifying color will make your landscaping appear tidier.
Or wrought iron
Wrought iron conjures up feelings of Southern hospitality and sophisticated Spanish living, and lends any home a measure of elegance and mystery. Black is the classic wrought iron color, but green and other hues are also available.
Go Texas traditional with split rails
Does your home have a ranch or country feel? Then split rails can add to your rustic, traditional Texas look. This kind of fencing is also easy to maintain. If one rail is damaged, you can easily replace it rather than having to deal with a whole section. We like the natural look of stained split rails with a few vines growing around them.
Container plants for curb appeal
No matter what your fencing situation, a few healthy, blooming plants in containers instantly up your curb appeal. This is one of the easiest fixes. Go to the nursery, buy some plants, stick them in pottery, and voila, a new and better look for your yard.
It’s not enough to think that once prospective home owners see the inside of your house, they’ll understand its potential. Eighty percent of buyers look at pictures of houses online before deciding whether to grace you with their presence. So if your landscaping appears seriously sub-par, many of these online viewers will give your house a pass.
Need help? At Buzz Custom Fence, we’re here for you. Give us a call to discuss curb appeal and how it relates to your landscaping needs.
