First impressions matter. A frequently referenced Princeton research study found that it only takes a tenth of a second for people to gain impressions of other people and once that impression is set in their minds, it is hard to change.1 The same can be said for the curb appeal of your home. Renowned home improvement guru, Bob Villa, star of This Old House, estimates that a good first impression can add 20 percent to your home’s value.2
With the help of a professional locksmith you can increase your home’s value in no time.
What is curb appeal?
Curb appeal is a term for the first impression that people get when they pull up in front of your home. The term came about because for years realtors would give buyers an address of a home for sale and then the buyers would drive to see the home, forming their first impressions of a home before they even got out of their cars — at the curb, so to speak.
Curb appeal is achieved by making the exterior of a home welcoming, attractive and enticing to buyers so that the outside appearance of your home gives visitors and buyers a positive impression of the value of the home. An overwhelming majority — 99 percent — of the National Association of Realtors member say that curb appeal is important in attracting buyers.3
The visual importance of your front door
While there are a lot of facets that go into creating curb appeal, including landscaping, exterior cleaning, painting and even installing a new mailbox, lighting and house numbers, don’t forget to focus on your front door and the door handle and lockset. Experts say the front door, the yard and paint colors are the three key ingredients that play into the initial visual impact of a home.4
The front door is one of the first things people notice about a home, and the door handle is the first touchpoint for residents and guests.5 As for boosting curb appeal, a new door, with a new handle and lock, can not only provide that great first impression, it can also give you a 75 percent return on your investment according to the Remodeling Impact Report from the National Association of Realtors.6
What about your door’s hardware?
So now that you’ve decided to get a new entry door or paint the old entry door a bright modern color, what are your options in door hardware? Just as with indoor hardware for kitchen and bath cabinets, faucets and fixtures, matte black is currently the hot finish for exterior door hardware. While your door hardware should match the style of your home, contemporary styles are popular as homeowners seek out uncluttered, streamlined looks.7
There are a wide variety of exterior door knob finishes from which to choose, including aged bronze, satin and polished nickel, black, chrome, antique brass and pewter. Some door hardware manufacturers have online guides to help you match your door hardware and home style.8 You can choose between knobs, bars and lever styles for your door handset, with levers being good for those with decreased dexterity due to age or medical issues such as arthritis.
No matter the finish or style of your new door handset and lock, upgrading your home’s exterior hardware is an investment that pays back not only in terms of resale, but also in terms of totally transforming the look of your home. With only some simple exterior changes, and the help of a trusted local locksmith, the visual appeal of your home’s entry can go from worn-out to wow!
Can a locksmith help me?
Action Locksmith has been helping with the curb appeal and safety of Michigan homes and businesses for over 30 years. We can replace doors and frames or repair damaged doors and frames as well as correct many door closings, latching, bolting and sagging issues. Installing new hardware will complete the look, giving a new face to your home.
Our residential and commercial locksmith services include everything from re-keying locks, 24hr emergency lockout service, installing camera systems, keyless entry and more! Call today to learn more about how our locksmith services can help you!
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1 How May Seconds to a First Impression? by Eric Wargo
Link: https://www.psychologicalscience.org/observer/how-many-seconds-to-a-first-impression
2 What is Curb Appeal? How to Supercharge the First Impression Buyers Have of Your Home, by Lisa Johnson Mandell, 9/21/2016
Link: https://www.realtor.com/advice/sell/what-is-curb-appeal/
3 Curb Appeal, But the Numbers, 7/16/2019
Link: https://www.bairdwarner.com/2019/07/16/curb-appeal-statistics-trends/
4 Curb Appeal Counts: Three Steps to Increasing Interest in a Property for Sale, 4/11/2018, by Reagan Greer, Forbes Real Estate Council
Link: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesrealestatecouncil/2018/04/11/curb-appeal-counts-three-steps-to-increasing-interest-in-a-property-for-sale/#71d5a4783d8b
5, 7 Six Trends in Entry Door Hardware
Link: https://www.builderonline.com/products/doors/six-trends-in-entry-door-hardware
6 8 Popular Home Upgrades and How Much They Cost, National Association of Realtors
Link: https://www.houselogic.com/photos/add-value-to-your-home/best-home-improvement/slide/steel-entry-door/
8 9 Most Popular Home Styles and Door Hardware to Match, 7/25/2017
Link: https://www.schlage.com/blog/categories/2017/07/popular-home-styles-matching-door-hardware.html