One of the benefits of southern living is that the climate is conducive to year-round, outdoor activities, including entertaining friends and family at home. A special feature has made a comeback in recent years that can be a great selling point, if you decide to list your house on the market. Buyers today often want homes that have a front porch.
Many South Carolina homes have beautiful front porches, but some do not. If your house falls into the latter category, you might consider investing in an exterior upgrade, before placing your house up for sale. According to many real estate analysts, homes with front porches are trending!
A front porch is no longer a forgotten architectural feature
For a while, homes without front porches were trending, perhaps, because busy families were always on the go, and no one was ever home to enjoy a porch. A front porch immediately evokes feelings of welcome and comfort. In the past few years, many people have started working from home, entertaining at home and generally spending more time at home than ever before.
Having a front porch is a plus, especially for homeowners who have small houses but like to entertain guests. A porch enables guests to trickle outside and provides additional seating for potluck or buffet style meals.
Sip coffee or after-dinner drinks on a front porch
On a warm South Carolina evening, it’s nice to enjoy a freshly brewed cup of coffee or after-dinner cocktail on a front porch. It’s also the perfect setting for board games, playing a guitar or listening to evening birdsong.
Outdoor staging boosts curb appeal
The first thing a perspective buyer sees on your home is the exterior. A beautiful, neat and tidy front porch can add curb appeal. On the contrary, if you have a front porch that is dilapidated and falling apart, you will want to make repairs, give it a fresh coat of paint and update it, before listing the house on the market, unless you are selling your house ‘as is’.
Shelter from the sun on a hot Carolina day
Front porches are an integral component of historical American architecture. When they became a common real estate feature in the 1800s, homeowners and their guests often used them to enjoy shade on a hot, sunny day. As neighborhood living became more popular, people began gathering on their front porches to enjoy a sense of community with those who lived nearby.
Current real estate data shows that as much as 81% of home buyers want a front porch. Adding a porch to your house may help increase its market value. If you have a porch and need some tips on how to stage it for showings, ask an experienced sales agent for recommendations.