How to improve the curb appeal of your home

Quick insights

• “Curb appeal” refers to the first impression of a home as seen from the sidewalk, especially a home that’s on the market.
• You can help improve curb appeal by cleaning up the exterior of your home, conducting repairs, adding new fixtures and making other superficial improvements.
• It may be helpful to add some decorations or make certain style changes, but be careful not to distract from the home’s inherent aesthetics.

First impressions are important when selling a home. In the real estate business, the quality of the first impression is known as a home’s “curb appeal.” The name comes from the way a house appears from the sidewalk, near the curb. In modern real estate, a home’s curb appeal is typically evident from the first image, or cover, of an online listing.

In this article, we’ll describe adjustments you can make to improve the curb appeal of your home and potentially attract the right buyer.

Assessing your home’s current curb appeal

For homebuyers, a home that appears clean, cared for and tastefully decorated will generally be the most appealing. As the current homeowner, it can be helpful to take a few steps back from the property and try to see it through fresh eyes. From the curb, certain things will likely stand out right away, such as peeling paint on the front steps or shrubbery that needs to be trimmed.

How to add curb appeal

Different characteristics can contribute to a home’s curb appeal. When preparing to sell a home, you might wonder what you can do to show it in its best light—regardless of the weather. When considering how to add curb appeal, tips fall into several categories, including:

• Landscaping
• Front entryway
• Exterior updates
• Decorative elements

Landscaping enhancements

Greenery is one of the first things a prospective buyer might notice as they approach your home. If you have a front lawn, several aspects may have potential:

• Lawn care: A lush, green lawn that’s been freshly mowed is a good start when trying to add curb appeal. Removing weeds and debris, reseeding and fertilizing are all options when you have a little time to regrow and revamp the existing lawn. You can also start fresh with sod, which also takes a bit of time to settle in before it looks picture-perfect.
• Flower beds: If there are planting beds on your property that look bare or dull, you may want to add colorful flowers or bushes. Otherwise, re-mulching or defining the beds with masonry could elevate the exterior. Bright flowers and fresh shrubs can make a big difference in terms of curb appeal.
• Tree care: A healthy, mature tree can be a great selling point for your house’s curb appeal. However, overgrown trees, trees with ailing branches or one that blocks sightlines to your home can detract from its appeal. Consider pruning overgrown trees and removing any that are dead, diseased or otherwise unattractive.

Revamping the front entry

A well-kept doorway plays an important role in welcoming potential buyers to your home. Sometimes, all that’s needed to pull things into shape is a little fresh paint and polish.

• Door makeover:A fresh coat of paint on the front door is one of the first things to consider when updating for curb appeal. You can repaint it its existing color or choose a new, eye-catching color that helps your home stand out on the block.
• Hardware upgrades:Over time, it’s typical for the door’s hardware, such as hinges, door knockers, keyholes and knobs, to become dull or tarnished. Depending on their age, wear and style, you may want to replace them or use metal polish to restore their shine.
• Lighting fixtures: Chances are that if you organize a showing it will be during the daytime, but it’s not unheard of for a prospective buyer to drive by at night for a look. Stylish, functional light fixtures at the front entrance can make it inviting, even after dark.
• House numbers:If home numbers haven’t been a priority before, they certainly are when you’re trying to sell your home. You’ll want to ensure that your home number is visible from the street and in a typeface that matches the style of your home.
• Welcome mat and potted plants: Dressing up your front porch or landing with small decorative touches, such as a clean mat and potted plants. These can impart a welcoming vibe to visitors. As with most exterior touches, keep them simple so as not to distract from the home itself.

Exterior updates

This category of improvements covers a range of aesthetic adjustments and minor repairs to the home itself and other visible structures.

• Paint, siding and brick restoration: It’s important to consider the appearance of the building itself. Depending on the type of exterior, you may want to refresh the paint in some areas, scrub the siding or revitalize the brick.
• Roof and gutters:If any roof tiles are visibly broken, missing or out of place, consider making repairs. Cleaning build-up that’s accumulated on the gutters can also enhance the building’s overall appearance.
• Windows and shutters:Dirty windows are easy to miss when you’re living in the home every day but cleaning them can make an obvious difference. Window shutters are somewhat prone to visible signs of wear and tear; you may want to consider giving them a fresh coat of paint.
• Fencing:If the fence around your property is looking a bit worse for wear, consider repainting, repairing or replacing sections that need an update.
• Driveway and walkway maintenance:If the paved areas of your home’s lot are cracked, stained or otherwise degraded, you may decide it’s time to fill in the gaps, resurface or deep-clean them.

Adding decorative elements

Adding decorative details to the exterior of your home can make the property more charming, homey and inviting. These additions could include outdoor art, such as yard sculptures and ornaments. You might also find opportunities to add pathway lighting, seasonal banners or even an attractive new mailbox. However, it’s important not to get carried away. Keep decorative elements to a minimum, or else you risk distracting from the design of the house.

Maintaining curb appeal: Tips and tricks

Updates and upgrades are a couple  ways to add curb appeal. However, maintaining your home’s curb appeal is sometimes a matter of regular upkeep. Here are a few tips:

• Keep landscaping trimmed and fertilized.
• Use colorful flowers to generate the aesthetic.
• Clean windows and gutters regularly.
• Paint, polish or power wash the roof, windows, doors and siding.
• Repair fencing, gates and pavement promptly.
• Ensure any outdoor lighting is in working order.

In summary

Your home’s curb appeal doesn’t just provide a first impression. Curb appeal may directly affect the number of buyers who choose to pursue a showing, how many offers you get and even the ultimate sale price of your home. Many enhancements can be made with minimal home-improvement expertise. However, working with professionals to complete more complex tasks may help lessen the burden as you prepare to sell.

When attempting to improve your home’s curb appeal, don’t be afraid to leave opportunities on the table. You may also want to leave some tasks for the new homeowners, who will probably want to make the home their own.