It is true for both your personality and your house that the first impression is the last. Whether you want to sell your house or not, a house with better curb appeal is bound to leave a better impression on buyers. 

Check out some of my tips for simple, budget-friendly ways to add curb appeal to your house:

1. Update Your Front Door

Your front door may be one of the first things a buyer notices as they walk up to your house. If your front door is damaged, or just not in great shape, it may be time to replace it. Replacing your front door will improve curb appeal, show consumers that you take pride in your home, and leave a lasting impression. 

On the other hand, if your front door isn’t damaged, a new coat of paint will have it looking brand new. Be sure to use a neutral paint color or pop of color that compliments the current colors of your home!

If you have questions about the updates you can make on your home, contact me today for a complimentary curb appeal analysis!

2. Reduce Landscaping Clutter

home with curb appeal

Landscaping is apparent because it’s one of the first things people see. Take into account not only the condition but also the quantity.

Reduce trees and shrubbery to offer the home a clean, better cared-for appearance, as well as the appearance of lower maintenance. As a bonus, there will be more direct sunlight when you reach the home.

3. Install Exterior Lighting

Make an instant impression on prospective customers by highlighting your well-kept landscaping. Buyers are greeted with warm exterior lighting before entering the house. It’s not only attractive, but it’s also a great safety feature.

Not to mention, according to a recent survey by the National Association of Home Builders, 85 percent of buyer’s want exterior lighting. This is a great way to add extra curb appeal to your property. 

Do you have questions about installing exterior lighting to your home. Contact me today for a complimentary curb appeal analysis!

4. Paint Your Exterior

Your house should be painted! On brick or siding, a fresh coat of paint looks fantastic. Make sure to use colors that are neutral that would appeal to a range of potential buyers.

The roof, walls, front door, garage, trim, and doors are the exterior elements you should be focusing on. Windows and doors in the right color make your home look like new for people looking at your home.

5. Display Clean, Open Windows

Open the blinds and clean the windows. This is an easy way to encourage more light to enter. Filling a large vase with colorful flowers and vines and placing it at the front door is a perfect way to give every entry a lift you can see as you enter the house. It communicates that the seller is placing in their best effort.

You can also use potted plants. Potted plants are a convenient, inexpensive, and fast way to add some life and color to your house’s curb appeal. To achieve the look you want, experiment with different pot sizes and colors. 

6. Power-Wash Everything                                                 

When approaching a house, the first thing that comes to mind is cleanliness. Power-washing the pavement, driveway, and front door will ensure your house is looking fresh. 

You can rent a power washer from your local Home Depot or Lowes.

7. Paint or Replace Your Garage Door

upgraded garage door to increase home's curb appeal

Most houses have a garage door that faces forward, and your gaze is attracted to it right away. Including a garage door with windows will greatly improve the curb appeal of your home. 

According to Bankrate, replacing a garage door has one of the highest return-on-investments of any home improvement. However, a new coat of paint can be an inexpensive update that will add curb appeal to your home.

8. Update Landscaping

Landscaping is important for your home’s curb appeal. The grass, flowers, and trees are some of the first things people notice when approaching a home. 

You can significantly alter a buyer’s view of the house by having beautiful landscaping. This can be as easy as planting some flowers and shrubs, and laying down some mulch. You’ll also want to make sure the grass is cut and any overgrown bushes or plants are trimmed. 

9. Keep Your Yard Low-Maintenance

Exquisite landscaping and gardens look great when it comes to increasing curb appeal, but some homeowners may wonder about upkeep. Try adding low-maintenance gardening to the front of your home, edged and mulched in landscape beds. It’s all about being crisp, new, and fresh!

Improving the curb appeal for your home can do wonders. The first impression potential buyers see is often the front of your home, so you’ll want to make sure it’s looking nice and fresh. 

If you have questions or want my recommendations on how to improve your home’s curb appeal, feel free to contact me for a no obligations analysis. 

About Tim Belko

Tim Belko is a top-rated real estate agent in South Jersey. Tim has helped hundreds of clients over the last 15+ years purchase and sell their homes.

Tim is also a real estate investor and has experience helping investors purchase homes in South Jersey.