REAL ESTATE TIPS...Mailbox Makeovers for Instant Curb Appeal

by Cat Queen

When visitors or potential buyers see your home for the first time, make sure your tired old mailbox doesn’t leave them with the wrong impression. These quick and easy mailbox makeovers will help you instantly improve your home’s curb appeal.

Perhaps the best way to give your mailbox a more charming presence is by creating a lovely space for it. Plant brightly colored flowers or low-maintenance shrubbery in a small garden around your mailbox. Then, use an edge trimmer to create a neat perimeter around your new flower bed. If other areas of your yard are trimmed-in with brick or concrete blocks, keep the look consistent by using the same material around your mailbox.

For a quicker fix, try sprucing up your mailbox’s post. Metal or wrought iron can be easily spray painted. If you have a traditional wooden post, first check the post for any rotten or chipped away areas. (In most cases, you can fill these cracks with wood putty; if the post is too far gone, it might be better to replace it.) Then, paint or stain the wood to give it an instant face-lift.

Large, stacked rock mailbox enclosures are beautiful but can be pretty expensive. You can achieve a similar look by adhering faux stacked rock to your existing wooden post.

Next, consider painting your mailbox with weather-proof spray paint. Try to coordinate your mailbox colors with your home’s exterior. White, green, and blue are great for catching the eye without being overwhelming. Red is also a popular and bold choice.

Tip: Steer clear of loud or neon colors like hot pink, orange, or bright yellow, which may be too bold for potential buyers. Hobby or sports themed mailboxes can also negatively affect a buyer’s first impression of the home.

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If bright colors aren’t really your thing, use white or ivory paint with stencils instead. Quickly rejuvenate your mailbox by stenciling the number of your address in a fancy script against a plain black background. For a more personalized touch, add the first letter of your last name above the address in a larger font. You can also add embellishments like ivy or flowers.

Remember, when showing your home, try to appeal to all potential home buyers. Plain, classic stylings give your house a sense of character and charm without offending the personal taste of visitors. It is equally important to ensure that your home appears as well maintained as possible. A bright, clean mailbox in a well-manicured flower bed will always give the right impression.