Home Curb Appeal Tips

Curb appeal, or how attractive your home is when seen from the street view, is a vital element for homeowners to keep in mind. Prospective buyers form first impressions based on curb appeal. These snap judgments can make or break your house sale! Luckily, there are many ways to increase your home’s curb appeal. From simple projects you can accomplish in an afternoon to more complex upgrades, you can keep your home looking its best. Protect your investment by adding curb appeal to your home.

Your mailbox has a small footprint, but it plays a huge part in your home’s curb appeal. Visible from down the road, a mailbox often provides the very first impression of your home. With that in mind, what does your mailbox say? A leaning, faded mailbox with a broken flag doesn’t help your curb appeal. Consider upgrading your mailbox, whether it needs a new touch of paint or should be replaced entirely. You can also add bold numbers to help your mailbox be easily identified by prospective buyers!

Windows are the eyes to your house, offering guests and potential buyers their first glimpse inside your home. Provide a welcoming, inviting view and make sure your windows are clean, both inside and out. Take your regular cleaner outside and give your exterior panes some attention. You can hire a cleaning service for windows above ground level if you don’t want to get on a ladder. Clean windows let light stream in, improving your home’s curb appeal for everyone who passes.

Your home’s doors may look weatherworn after years or decades protecting you from the elements. Give your home a fast update by repainting your doors. You can accent your entry and draw attention to your front door by choosing a bright new shade of paint. If you still love your door’s existing color, feel free to stick with that for your touchup. The new, unfaded paint will still brighten up your home’s curb appeal.

A fresh, new coat of exterior paint is one of the most dramatic upgrades you can give your home. Choose a currently popular to appeal to prospective buyers, or go with a classic shade you’ll love seeing every time you come home. A new paint job helps your curb appeal, but your home will receive benefits beyond just looking better. Painting is an opportunity to find and fix any small imperfections in a house’s exterior before they become a major problem.

Home insurance and a home warranty can (and should) be complementary, covering different aspects of the home. Whether your home sustains structural damage or if your refrigerator shuts down, you are covered.

By combining a warranty and insurance, you are putting layers of protection around your home that you won’t likely regret.

A touch of nature makes any home more attractive. Improve your curb appeal with landscaping projects. Consider planting trees for the shade, which can lower your electricity bill in addition to looking great! Flowerbeds and gardens are a beautiful way to add color to your front yard. Look for blooms that will complement the color of your home.

Don’t overlook the plants that may already be growing on your property. Dying trees and scraggly bushes can be removed, which will instantly make your home look more appealing.

Did you know that asphalt and cement can show dirt and stains? Put your best foot forward and power wash your driveway. You might have grown accustomed to seeing old leaks and stains on your driveway, but guests and prospective homebuyers will notice the grime. Power washing your driveway removes many years' worth of wear and tear. If you have a sidewalk, walkway, or another paved area in front of your home, give these a wash as well.

Curb appeal doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. Make sure your home is attractive at night by improving your exterior lighting. Prospective buyers may drive by your house at all hours when they’re deciding whether to make an offer. Increase your lighting to help them imagine their new life in your home. For safety purposes, your exterior lighting should illuminate at least your front door and the path to your entry. Beyond that, consider how lighting can accent your home’s unique features. Whether you want to show off architectural elements, a flagpole, elaborate gardens, or anything else, improved lighting will help your curb appeal.

Curb appeal includes all parts of your house—even the roof! Keep an eye on any loose shingles, clogged gutters, and chimney problems to keep your home looking its best. Storms and bad weather can lead to roof damage, which can cause structural issues throughout your home. Regular roofing repair can help your house stay safe and beautiful. Maintain your roof and your curb appeal will also be sky-high.

Curb appeal doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. Make sure your home is attractive at night by improving your exterior lighting. Prospective buyers may drive by your house at all hours when they’re deciding whether to make an offer. Increase your lighting to help them imagine their new life in your home. For safety purposes, your exterior lighting should illuminate at least your front door and the path to your entry. Beyond that, consider how lighting can accent your home’s unique features. Whether you want to show off architectural elements, a flagpole, elaborate gardens, or anything else, improved lighting will help your curb appeal.