Buyers Value Curb Appeal Above All Else When Searching for a Home, New Survey Says

Buying a home is a big decision and there are a lot of factors that go into finding the right one for you and your family. Some things that people consider during their house hunt include location, cost, and functionality. But according to a new survey commissioned by lawn care company TruGreen, there is one thing many people prioritize above the rest when purchasing a home: curb appeal.

The survey, which included 2,000 homeowners split evenly by generation, revealed that 75 percent of homeowners want their yard or home's exterior to look impeccable. The researchers found that younger generations, like generation Z (47 percent) and millennials (46 percent), are more likely to cite curb appeal as a reason for buying a home than older generations.

For most respondents, curb appeal is considered a priority because it makes a good impression on guests and neighbors (61 percent) and provides a sense of pride (58 percent). Some factors associated with curb appeal include the color of the home, decks, and balconies. In fact, 46 percent of respondents from generation Z and 43 percent of millennials were more likely to purchase a home home based on these style features alone.

Of course, an attractive façade and front-facing landscape require work to maintain—which is why potential buyers should understand the time required to keep these elements in tip-top shape before they make an offer. "People take great pride in their home's appearance, and many first-time homeowners invest without realizing the amount of work and cost involved in its upkeep," Johanna Metz, vice president of marketing for TruGreen, said in a statement. "It's essential to understand homeownership—from the buying process to the problems and surprises faced after you’ve signed on the dotted line—with a fluctuating housing market."