Any Ideas for Better Curb Appeal?

Question

Hello all!

I just went under contract on a SFH in South Florida and would like some feedback/suggestions on improving the curb appeal of the house and making it more attractive to prospective tenants.

The house is a 2-1 on a 4-lane, divided street. It's been recently renovated inside, so the rehab will focus mainly on the exterior. One thing that strikes me as weird is the lack of a front-facing door. The "front" door is on the right side of the house and the "back" door opens out to the carport on the left side of the house. So I'm looking to emphasize the main entrance of the home with maybe a combination of landscaping, house numbers, mailbox location, etc.

I look forward to your thoughts!

Thanks!

Tyler Ansell · Answer

Could think about doing a lanai or pergola coming towards the street off existing cover. Might help pull out some of that square.

Terrence Conley · Answer

Thanks everyone - great ideas!

Colleen F. · Answer

Not sure what that walkway is made of but I might resurface that in a brighter color. Pick up the same color in the shutters if you decide to use them. Stencil or hang the house number by the main entrance. The Floridians here  should be able to recommend some nice plants.

Michaela G. · Answer

Also consider adding some of the brilliant Caribbean colored accent somewhere: turqouise, seafoam green, coral . The colors look really blah right now

Michaela G. · Answer

The first thing that jumps out at me is 'too square'. With that I mean that you have a lot of straight lines and I would add some curves to balance it out (that's actually what Feng shui is about: There always has to be a balance between masculine (straight lines) and feninine (curves).

So, consider creating a curved bed in that 90 degree angle between path and flower bed. Or have a dry river bed, with pebbles, run through the yard or do some plantings that soften the lines.

Will Pritchett · Answer

@Terrence Conley, I am by no means a designer but I like this question and had a couple of thoughts.  I am budget-minded so what about bright curtains in the big windows to contrast with the plain white front?  Maybe a floor lamp just inside turned on for showings?  How about pressure washing the sidewalk to emphasize that it is the path to the front door?  Maybe a little hanging sign over that overhang at the front door saying something like "Welcome" or "Welcome home"?  I always like to emphasize the idea that it will be "Home" to the tenant.  Or just the address in cool tile numbers or something bright on the door side of the house?

Just a few inexpensive thoughts...

Good luck!

-Will

Terrence Conley · Answer

Thanks @Robert P. and @Lois Ginter.

Will definitely look into at painting the that exterior door and adding a fence. The fence will help a lot with the backyard as it give the tenants some private, usable outdoor space.

I'm thinking of the leaving the coconut palm in the front, but emptying out that front planter and adding a continuous low hedge.

Also, shutters are a great idea!

Lois Ginter · Answer

I would paint the front of the house and the car port different but complemtary colors, or at minimum the exterior door.  Maybe a different color for the window trim.

Houzz has a lot of pictures to give you ideas on color and landscaping.  Many paint manufacturers will let you upload a picture and let you paint in different colors.

Robert P. · Answer

Some initial thoughts would be to cut back the trees/brush to the right side (near front door) to give that area some more space and a welcoming feel, rather than walking into a black hole.

Also, maybe you could change the face of the front of the house. i.e different paint color, some type of brick overlay, or something similar. How about some shutters on the windows? (not sure if that is a FL appeal or not)

It's hard to see but maybe replace the chain link fence/gate with some white style fencing?