Curb Appeal Tips to Sell Your Home

Curb appeal refers to the attractiveness of a property when viewed from the street. It includes everything from landscaping and exterior features to the overall tidiness of a home's front yard and entrance. It's the first thing people see when they look at your house.

For potential buyers, curb appeal can be the deciding factor in whether they even bother to step inside. If a house looks neglected on the outside, it's easy to assume that the interior might be similar.

10 Curb Appeal Ideas That Increase Value and Sells Your Home Faster

Whether you're planning to sell, just want a nice-looking property, or want to feel a sense of pride and accomplishment, here are things to consider when planning and maintaining your exterior design:

1. Well-maintained landscaping
2. Clean and tidy hardscaping
3. Good condition of exterior features
4. Decorative elements
5. Thoughtful use of color and texture
6. Accessibility and safety features
7. Lighting
8. Trees and Shrubs
9. Garden
10. Overall presentation

1. Well-maintained landscaping

Neglected or overgrown landscaping can make your property appear unkempt and uninviting to potential buyers. Regular landscaping maintenance is crucial to maintaining a neat appearance. This maintenance includes mowing the lawn, edging, trimming bushes, and weeding flower beds.

2. Clean and tidy hardscaping

Cluttered or disorganized front yards can overwhelm the space and create a chaotic appearance. Avoid excessive or lawn ornaments or random clutter, particularly at the front of the home. Strive for a clean, cohesive look that enhances your home's curb appeal, and entices potential buyers.

3. Good condition of exterior features

The front door, windows, siding, and roof all need to appear well-maintained, clean, and inviting. Peeling paint, broken fixtures, or outdated exterior features can detract from the overall appearance of your home. Take the time to repair or replace any damaged or outdated elements. Before selling your home, consider creating a schedule on how best to tackle these projects one at a time.

4. Decorative elements

Seasonal planters, tasteful decorations, and well-chosen outdoor decor can make your home more inviting and help it sell faster. Make sure your decor matches the season—fresh flowers or greenery work better than wilted or dead plants. Don’t overlook small details like your mailbox, outdoor lighting, and garage door! Fresh paint and simple repairs can make a big difference in creating a polished, well-cared-for look that helps you achieve your asking price.

5. Thoughtful use of color and texture

Thoughtful use of color and texture can significantly boost your home’s curb appeal, helping it sell quicker and for your asking price. Choose paint colors that complement your home’s style, and use landscaping materials like varied-height plants, textured shrubs, and paver walkways to add visual interest. Don’t forget a bold, inviting front door color to create a memorable first impression that draws buyers in.

6. Accessibility and safety features

Ensure all walkways are clear and easy to navigate. Adequate lighting along paths and entryways improves visibility and safety, especially at night. If your home has steps or elevated surfaces, consider installing sturdy handrails to provide support for all visitors.

7. Trees and Shrubs

Well-maintained trees and shrubs offer shade, privacy, and visual interest. Trim them regularly to avoid overgrowth, which can make your home look neglected or block important architectural features. Properly pruned greenery also enhances the visibility and safety of your entryways.

8. Garden

A well-maintained garden adds instant charm and is an affordable way to enhance your home’s curb appeal. Planting flowers near the entrance or along walkways creates a warm, inviting atmosphere for potential buyers. Clusters of colorful annuals or perennials deliver a big visual impact with minimal effort and cost.

9. Lighting

Thoughtful lighting enhances both function and ambiance. Install hardscape lighting along paths and driveways to guide guests and highlight landscaping. Add sconces or ceiling fixtures on your front porch to create a welcoming glow and increase nighttime curb appeal.

10. Overall Presentation

Cohesion, style, and cleanliness across all exterior elements are key to creating a polished look. Make sure that your landscaping, lighting, paint colors, and decorative elements all complement one another. A tidy, well-thought-out exterior signals pride of ownership and leaves a lasting impression.